Personal Wireless Devices for Network Performance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network performance testing in cellular networks is time-consuming, expensive, and often results in outdated results due to the need for specialized equipment and trained technicians.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing personal wireless devices, such as cellular phones or PDAs, to perform network-performance related measurements in response to triggering events, allowing for the collection of metrics like signal coverage and interference issues without the need for trained technicians or specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional specialized test equipment and trained technicians are used for network performance testing, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity, cost, and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses personal wireless devices (smartphones, tablets) as copies of traditional specialized test equipment. These consumer devices replicate the essential measurement functions through software applications that leverage the devices' existing sensors and communication capabilities, eliminating the need for expensive specialized hardware while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes personal wireless devices universal testing tools by enabling them to perform multiple network performance measurement functions through software. The same device can conduct various measurements (signal strength, throughput, latency) and report to different network elements, replacing the need for multiple specialized test devices
2Reliability
If traditional vehicles with specialized equipment are deployed for network testing, then measurement reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables personal wireless devices to autonomously perform measurements and report results without requiring trained technicians or specialized equipment. The devices self-manage the testing process by automatically executing measurement protocols, collecting data, and transmitting results to network elements, thereby eliminating human intervention bottlenecks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration where network elements send triggering events and measurement instructions to personal devices before actual measurements are taken. This pre-configuration ensures that devices are ready to perform reliable measurements immediately when triggered, reducing overall testing time while maintaining result accuracy
3Measurement precision
If traditional testing procedures are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases due to outdated results from inadequate test procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms where personal wireless devices continuously monitor network conditions and immediately report measurement results upon triggering events. This continuous feedback loop ensures that network performance data is current and up-to-date, eliminating the delays associated with traditional batch testing procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic triggering events that stimulate personal devices to perform measurements at regular intervals or when specific conditions occur. This periodic action ensures consistent updates of network performance data without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision
Data Source
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AI summary
A personal wireless device is utilized to carry out measurements of one or more network- performance related metrics in response to a triggering event. The triggering event can be a message that is transmitted by a network element to the personal wireless device. The personal wireless device may be exemplified by a variety of personal devices such as, for example, a cellular phone, or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The measurements may be used to derive network-performance related information such as cellular signal coverage areas, signal hole areas, and signal interference areas.