UE Antenna Installation Capture for RAN Site Documentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing mobile network rollout process is inefficient, particularly in 5G deployments, due to high planning and operational expenditures, increased complexity with tighter grid spacings, and a high probability of errors in antenna and equipment placement and connection configurations, leading to costly site visits and troubleshooting.

Innovation Solution

A method using a UE device with apps to automatically identify Radio/Antenna equipment, their positions, and connections to transport equipment, allowing for efficient documentation of base station installation data and reducing errors by using short-range wireless connections or bar-codes/QR-codes to transmit data to an OSS/Management system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional manual planning and documentation methods are used for radio access node installation, then installation data can be recorded, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone with high planning and operational expenditures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation data accuracyVSAvoidplanning and installation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical documentation processes with automated electronic data capture using UE devices. The system automatically extracts installation data from equipment labels, barcodes, and QR codes, eliminating manual recording and reducing both time and errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The UE device acts as an intermediary between the radio access equipment and the OSS system. It automatically captures installation data from physical equipment and transmits it electronically, serving as a bridge that eliminates manual intervention in the data collection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If detailed manual planning is performed for each radio access node, then installation accuracy can be improved, but operational expenditures and planning work effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment placement precisionVSAvoidplanning process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radio access equipment and transport equipment provide their own identification and connection data through integrated identifiers, barcodes, and QR codes. The UE device automatically reads this self-provided information, eliminating the need for complex external planning processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state of installation data from manual textual descriptions to machine-readable digital formats (barcodes, QR codes, electronic identifiers). This transformation enables automatic data capture and processing, reducing planning complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If physical connections and configuration parameters are manually configured during installation, then equipment can be deployed, but errors and mistakes increase leading to costly troubleshooting and site visits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation error rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automatic feedback loops where the UE device captures installation data, transmits it to the OSS for validation, and receives confirmation or correction instructions. This real-time feedback mechanism prevents errors before they propagate through the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Installation data is captured and validated in advance during the installation process itself, rather than being documented after completion. The system performs preliminary configuration verification, identifying and correcting errors before they affect network operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If adjustments are made to antenna placement after installation, then real physical environment requirements can be met, but undocumented changes increase network errors and troubleshooting costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation documentation completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The automated data capture system operates continuously throughout the installation and adjustment process. Any changes to equipment placement or configuration are automatically recorded and updated in the OSS, maintaining continuous documentation without interruption to the installation workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4082236B1Method of obtaining radio access node installation data and related user equipment device
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4082236B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4082236B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4082236B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method of operating a User Equipment (UE) device may be provided. Installation data relating to an antenna of a radio access network (RAN) node may be obtained, wherein the installation data includes physical installation data including at least one of a height of the antenna, a direction of the antenna, and/or a tilt of the antenna. The installation data may be transmitted from the UE device to a management system for a wireless communication network including the RAN node. Related radio nodes and management nodes are also discussed.