Radio Link Fault Identification Using Statistical Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting radio link errors in IEEE802.11 radio systems are inefficient in accurately identifying faults, leading to incorrect detection of radio interference and inability to take specific remedial actions, limiting the accuracy and scope of fault identification.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that acquires statistical information from radio terminals and base stations to identify faults by analyzing parameters such as RSSI, Channel Load, frequency of ACK frame failures, duplicate frame reception, and RTS frame reception, using predefined thresholds and combinations of these metrics to determine the type of fault occurring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CRC error statistics are used to detect radio link errors, then detection capability is improved, but false detection occurs when CRC errors are caused by low reception level rather than radio interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CRC error causes into different categories: radio interference-induced errors versus low reception level-induced errors. By analyzing additional statistical information (frame reception status, retransmission patterns) alongside CRC errors, the system can distinguish between these segments and avoid false detection, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If general statistical information is used for fault detection, then detection coverage is improved, but fault identification precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish specific fault types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by associating different statistical information with specific fault types. For example, hidden terminal faults are identified by analyzing ACK frame reception patterns, while multipath fading is identified by analyzing signal strength variations and retransmission patterns. This localized association of statistical metrics with specific fault characteristics enables precise fault identification while maintaining broad detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-dimension CRC error analysis to multi-dimensional fault analysis by incorporating additional statistical dimensions: frame reception status, signal strength (RSSI), retransmission counts, and timing information. This dimensional expansion enables the system to not only detect faults broadly but also precisely identify specific fault types by analyzing patterns across multiple dimensions simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If multiple statistical parameters are analyzed for fault identification, then fault identification accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining fault determination rules and thresholds for different fault types before actual fault detection occurs. The system pre-establishes the relationships between statistical information patterns and specific fault types (e.g., what combination of ACK failures and RSSI values indicates hidden terminal versus multipath fading). This preliminary configuration reduces real-time computational complexity while maintaining high identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors statistical information, compares it against pre-defined thresholds and patterns, and adjusts fault identification decisions based on accumulated evidence. The feedback loop allows the system to refine fault identification by analyzing trends over time rather than making isolated judgments, thereby achieving high accuracy without requiring overly complex real-time analysis of every parameter combination.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus that identifies a fault of a radio link between a radio terminal and a radio base station includes according to an aspect of the present invention: a statistical information acquisition unit configured to acquire statistical information indicating a state of the radio link between the radio terminal and the radio base station from at least one of the radio terminal and the radio base station; and a fault identification unit configured to identify a fault of the radio link based on an acquired statistical information from among a plurality of faults associated with a plurality of statistical information beforehand.