Radio Coverage Map Generation Using Mobile Terminal Reports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network planning methods, including drive tests and mathematical models, are inefficient and inaccurate for managing radio access communications networks, especially in complex environments, and fail to provide continuous or periodic checks on radio coverage, leading to suboptimal network modifications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving continuous or periodic detection of radio coverage conditions through report signals from mobile user terminals, which include geographical position and signal reception power, to create a radio coverage map and apply necessary modifications to ensure quality thresholds are met, utilizing a Self-Organizing Network (SON) with an artificial intelligence agent for automatic adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drive tests are used for network planning, then network coverage quality can be assessed, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mathematical propagation models to create virtual copies of drive test measurements. Instead of performing actual physical drive tests, the system calculates propagation parameters (path loss, shadowing, fading) that replicate what drive tests would measure, providing the same network coverage quality assessment without the time and cost overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of propagation parameters using mathematical models before actual network deployment or optimization. By pre-calculating path loss, shadowing, and fading characteristics based on geographical data and environmental factors, the network can be planned and optimized in advance without requiring extensive subsequent drive testing
2Productivity
If mathematical propagation models are used, then network planning can be performed quickly, but accuracy decreases in complex environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different propagation models and parameters to different local areas based on their specific characteristics. Instead of using a single uniform model, the system selects appropriate models (Okumura-Hata, COST231, etc.) and adjusts parameters (shadowing standard deviation, path loss exponents) according to local environmental features such as urban density, building heights, and terrain, thereby maintaining high accuracy in complex environments while preserving computational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple propagation models and measurement techniques into a composite approach. By integrating mathematical propagation models with available measurement data (drive tests, MDT reports, O&M data) and geographical information, the system creates a hybrid solution that leverages the speed of models while correcting their inaccuracies using real-world data, achieving both productivity and precision
3Reliability
If drive tests are performed, then actual network conditions can be measured, but continuous monitoring is impossible due to vehicle availability constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the network to monitor itself continuously by utilizing data from user equipment (UE) that is already present in the network. Instead of requiring external drive test vehicles, the system collects measurements from mobile devices during normal operation, including MDT (Minimization of Drive Test) reports, RSRP measurements, and other radio condition data, thereby achieving continuous self-monitoring without additional resources
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes user equipment serve multiple functions: not only do UEs provide communication services, but they also act as distributed measurement devices for network monitoring. By utilizing the same mobile devices for both data communication and radio condition measurement, the system achieves continuous monitoring capability without requiring dedicated measurement vehicles, thereby extending the duration and continuity of network condition assessment
Data Source
AI summary
Method for managing a radio access communications network, comprising: receiving, from each of a plurality of mobile user terminals in a determined geographical area, at least one report signal including: a first data item representative of a geographical position of the mobile user terminal; a second data item representative of a power at which transmission signals, sent by the radio access communications network, are received by the mobile user terminal. The method further comprises making first comparisons between a power at which the transmission signals are transmitted, and the second data items; determining a radio coverage map of the determined geographical area based on the first data items and the first comparisons; making a second comparison between the radio coverage map and reference data; applying modifications to the radio access communications network based on the second comparison.