Radio Network Coverage Analysis via Signaling Probes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing radio network coverage areas, such as drive testing and probe systems, are time-consuming and costly, and struggle with managing large volumes of data to generate accurate performance maps.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses signaling probes to intercept and analyze control messages between radio network controllers and core networks to generate performance maps without physical sampling, leveraging mobility control messages for distance and quality measurements, allowing for a structured estimation of cellular performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drive testing is used to generate performance maps, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses probe systems to capture and analyze copies of signaling messages exchanged between mobile terminals and base stations, replacing the need for physical drive testing. This allows performance data collection without actual movement through the coverage area, significantly reducing time while maintaining measurement accuracy through systematic signal analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical drive testing system with an automated probe system that electronically captures and processes signaling messages. This substitution eliminates the need for physical vehicles and operators, automating the data collection process while maintaining or improving measurement precision through consistent, repeatable signal analysis
2Measurement precision
If probe systems capture all data to ensure accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and data management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential signaling messages required for performance mapping from the overall data stream. By selectively capturing specific control plane messages between mobile terminals and base stations, the system avoids the complexity of managing all network data while maintaining sufficient information for accurate performance assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing approaches to different types of data. Control plane signaling messages are captured and analyzed in detail for performance metrics, while other network data is either filtered out or processed differently. This selective approach reduces overall data management complexity while maintaining precision where it matters most
Data Source
AI summary
A radio network coverage area provided by a mobile radio network is analyzed. The analysis is provided by receiving control messages from a first interface communicated between a base station of the mobile radio network and a radio network controller, the control messages being provided for controlling the communications of the data to or from the mobile terminals via the base station. The method includes identifying a mobile identity number associated with the mobile terminal from the control messages communicated via the first interface, identifying, using the mobile identity number, mobility control messages communicated via the first interface, the mobility control messages providing an indication of a relative distance of the mobile terminal from the base station, receiving data communicated via a second interface between the radio network controller and a core network part of the mobile radio network, identifying the data communicated from the mobile terminal, using the mobile identity number identified from the first interface, determining a relative measure of quality of the data received from the mobile terminal, and generating a performance map providing a relative distance of the mobile terminal from the base station and a quality of data communicated at the relative distance from the mobile terminal.