Radio Coverage Determination Using UE Micro Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, determining radio coverage efficiently and accurately is complex due to multiple network and geographical parameters, leading to high costs and inaccuracy with existing methods that use motor vehicles for network measurement.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that categorize micro zones within a Base Station's coverage area as UE or blind micro zones based on signal measurement reports, estimate signal quality of blind micro zones using neighboring zones' signal quality, and create a radio coverage map by processing predefined signal parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motor vehicles equipped with network measurement devices are used to measure network parameters, then coverage area measurement can be performed, but the method becomes cost intensive and highly inaccurate and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses User Equipment (UE) devices as mobile measurement points to copy the functionality of expensive motor vehicle measurement systems. Multiple UEs throughout the coverage area provide measurement data that replicates the coverage mapping function without requiring specialized vehicles, thereby reducing cost while maintaining measurement accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network infrastructure itself provides measurement capabilities by utilizing signal measurement reports from UEs that are already present in the coverage area. Instead of deploying external measurement systems, the patent leverages the self-generated measurement data from regular network users, eliminating the need for separate measurement campaigns and improving reliability through continuous data collection.
2Measurement precision
If the coverage area is divided into micro zones for detailed analysis, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coverage area into multiple micro zones to achieve detailed and precise coverage mapping. Each micro zone is analyzed individually using signal measurement reports from UEs, allowing for high-resolution coverage assessment. This segmentation enables accurate identification of coverage holes and quality variations while managing complexity through systematic zone-based processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by dividing the coverage area into micro zones, transforming the coverage measurement problem from a macro-level assessment to a fine-grained spatial analysis. This dimensional approach allows precise mapping of coverage quality across different locations while organizing complexity through structured zone definitions and hierarchical processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to wireless communication networks, and more particularly to methods and systems for determining radio coverage in wireless communication networks. In one embodiment, a method for determining radio coverage in a wireless communication network is disclosed. The method includes categorizing each of a plurality of micro zones (304-350) within coverage area of a Base Station (BS) as one of a User Equipment (UE) micro zone and a blind micro zone (340) based on signal measurement reports associated with the plurality of micro zones. The method further includes estimating signal quality of a blind micro zone within the plurality of micro zones based on signal quality of at least one set (352-358) of neighboring micro zones surrounding the blind micro zone.