RF Heat Map Generation Using Antenna Patterns and Neighbor RSSI Corrections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat map generation for radio frequency environments is inaccurate due to limitations in considering antenna patterns, orientations, access point heights, and path loss models, which affects network planning and client location determination.
Innovation Solution
A technique that generates a heat map by incorporating data on antenna patterns, orientations, access point heights, and path loss models, with adjustments based on neighbor access point signal strength measurements, including adjustments for client antenna gain and transmit power, and discarding outlier measurements to improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If heat maps are generated using basic signal strength measurements, then the generation process is simple and quick, but the accuracy and precision of the heat maps are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The heat map generation process is segmented into multiple components: base heat map generation from antenna patterns, orientation data, access point heights, and path loss models; neighbor RSSI measurement collection; and correction application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while improving overall accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Base heat maps are generated in advance using antenna patterns, orientations, heights, and path loss models before neighbor RSSI measurements are applied. This preliminary action creates a foundation that can be systematically corrected with measured data, improving efficiency and accuracy.
Solution Approach 3:
Neighbor RSSI measurements serve as feedback to correct the base heat map. The system collects actual signal strength measurements from neighboring access points and uses these to adjust and refine the theoretical base heat map, creating a closed-loop improvement process.
2Measurement precision
If neighbor RSSI measurements are collected and applied to correct the base heat map, then the heat map accuracy is improved, but the processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Base heat maps are generated in advance using antenna patterns, orientations, heights, and path loss models before neighbor RSSI measurements are applied. This preliminary action creates a foundation that can be systematically corrected with measured data, improving efficiency and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies corrections only where neighbor RSSI measurements are available and significant, rather than recalculating the entire heat map. This partial action approach reduces processing time while maintaining accuracy improvements in critical areas.
3Measurement precision
If outlier RSSI measurements are discarded to improve accuracy, then the heat map precision is enhanced, but the complexity of measurement validation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses bidirectional feedback between neighboring access points to validate RSSI measurements. Each access point measures and reports neighbor RSSIs, creating a feedback loop that allows mutual validation and identification of outlier measurements through consistency checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-validation of RSSI measurements by comparing bidirectional measurements between neighbor access points. Each access point's measurements are used to verify the other's data, allowing the system to identify and discard outliers without external intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Described in an example embodiment herein is a technique for generating a heat map representative of a radio frequency environment based on data representative of antenna pattern, antenna orientation, access point height and a path loss model. In particular embodiments, the base heat map can be corrected based on neighbor access point (AP) signal strength measurements, such as received signal strength indications (RSSIs) that are added over a base heat map. The neighbor RSSIs may be adjusted to a point underneath the AP.