Telecom Network Planning Tool for Cell Site Decommissioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network planning tools are complex and unreliable, particularly when estimating the effects of changing cell site configurations, such as merging networks, due to limited information and uneven distribution of cell sites, which complicates decisions on decommissioning or retaining sites without causing service degradation.
Innovation Solution
A network planning tool that analyzes cell site information, including geographic coordinates and coverage areas, to classify donor sites for potential decommissioning or retention, using a multi-stage classification process and simulation techniques to forecast coverage and performance, allowing for strategic site placement and network expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network planners use logged information or signal measurement tools to measure signal strength and estimate coverage effects, then they can evaluate network performance, but the tools become complex and unreliable when dealing with limited information about cell sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified virtual representation (copy) of the network using simulated cell sites with standardized characteristics. This virtual model allows planners to evaluate coverage effects without needing complex real-world measurements, thereby improving reliability while reducing tool complexity. The simulated network replicates essential network behavior using manageable abstractions rather than complex actual network data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms complex network parameters into simplified simulation parameters. Instead of using actual signal strength measurements and logged information that require complex tools, the system uses simulated parameters such as cell site locations, coverage radii, and traffic patterns. This parameter transformation enables reliable estimates with simpler, more manageable planning tools.
2Productivity
If network planners use simulated networks with simplified cell site characteristics, then they can quickly obtain reliable insights, but they must make assumptions about coverage areas and traffic patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by simulating only the essential network characteristics needed for coverage estimation rather than modeling every detail. The simulated cell sites use simplified parameters (location, radius, traffic pattern) that capture the core behavior without requiring complete network data. This partial simulation approach enables quick insights while maintaining sufficient accuracy for planning decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the simulated network results are used to refine planning decisions. Planners can test different scenarios (adding or removing cell sites) and observe the impact on coverage, then adjust their plans accordingly. This iterative feedback process ensures that simplifications in the simulation do not significantly compromise the accuracy of final planning outcomes.
3Quantity of substance
If network operators decommission cell sites to reduce redundancy, then they can lower costs and improve service coverage, but they risk causing service degradation to subscribers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary simulation of decommissioning scenarios before actually removing cell sites. By first simulating the impact of closing specific cell sites on coverage and subscriber service, planners can identify which sites can be safely decommissioned without causing unacceptable service degradation. This preliminary action allows cost reduction while protecting subscriber service quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different analysis criteria to different cell sites based on their local characteristics and importance. Not all cell sites are treated equally; the simulation evaluates each site's specific impact on its serving area and subscriber base. This localized quality assessment enables selective decommissioning that reduces overall network redundancy while preserving critical coverage areas and avoiding service degradation in important locations.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments include a method for classifying cell sites of a virtual network that simulates merging a donor network with an anchor network. The method can include obtaining cell site information of the anchor network and the donor network, simulating the virtual network that merges the donor network with the anchor network, and classifying each donor site based on a measure of the donor site relative to nearest anchor sites. Any anchor site that is located a threshold distance from the donor site is a nearest anchor site. A donor site is classified for decommissioning when the measure is less than or equal to a measure threshold or the donor site is classified for retaining when the measure is greater than the measure threshold. The method can further include causing an output of an indication of any donor site that is classified for decommissioning or retaining.