Over-the-Air Signal Capture for Wireless Network Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network testing methods require expensive dedicated test equipment, cooperation from all network parties, and SIM card authentication, making it difficult to perform third-party testing without disrupting normal network operations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for testing wireless networks using Over-the-Air (OTA) signals that exclude the need for SIM card authentication, allowing for third-party testing without cooperation from all network parties, and utilizing generic hardware to capture and analyze raw OTA signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wireless network testing methods are used, then network testing can be performed with high reliability, but the cost is high and requires dedicated test equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software-defined radio (SDR) to create a virtual copy of dedicated test equipment functionality. Instead of requiring expensive physical test equipment, the system captures OTA signals and processes them through software algorithms that replicate the measurement capabilities of traditional test equipment, thereby reducing cost while maintaining testing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical test equipment system with an electronic/software-based system. By substituting dedicated hardware test equipment with SDR and signal processing software, the system achieves the same testing functions at lower cost and with greater flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If traditional wireless network testing methods are used, then accurate network parameters can be measured, but cooperation from all network parties is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential testing function from the complex cooperative framework by directly capturing OTA signals in the air. Instead of requiring coordination between multiple parties (service providers, equipment vendors, users), the system independently captures and analyzes signals transmitted over the air, simplifying the testing process while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces OTA signal capture as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the testing system and the network. By capturing signals that naturally propagate through the air, the system gains access to network parameters without needing direct access or cooperation from network infrastructure parties.
3Reliability
If SIM card authentication is required for network testing, then network security is maintained, but third-party testing is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the testing capability from the authenticated network access path by capturing OTA signals externally. Instead of requiring SIM card authentication to access network parameters, the system captures signals that are already transmitted over the air, thereby maintaining network security while enabling third-party testing accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by not trying to access the network through authenticated channels (which would require SIM cards), but instead by capturing the already-transmitted signals in the air. This reversal of the access path eliminates the authentication requirement while maintaining security.
4Measurement precision
If dedicated test equipment is used, then testing accuracy is ensured, but the equipment is expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing platform using software-defined radio that can measure multiple network parameters (throughput, packet error rate, signal strength, etc.) with a single system. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized dedicated test equipment, reducing overall complexity while maintaining measurement precision across different parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software algorithms to copy the measurement functions of dedicated test equipment. By implementing testing capabilities in software rather than requiring specialized hardware, the system achieves dedicated equipment-level accuracy with general-purpose, less complex hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for identifying and tracking users include receiving eavesdropped data from monitoring a base station in a wireless network; decoding the eavesdropped data to detect data therein to identify user equipment (UE) of a plurality of UEs associated with the base station; and tracking the plurality of UEs of the base station in the wireless network based on the detected data in the eavesdropped data.