Wireless Terminal Idle Mode Measurement Reporting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual drive tests in cellular or wireless networks are costly and inefficient, requiring extensive personnel and repeated testing due to changes in network topology or configuration, which hampers effective coverage optimization and other network management tasks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow measurement data collection and reporting during an idle mode in wireless networks, using a terminal apparatus equipped with a processor and memory to receive measurement configuration information via a broadcast channel, perform measurements, and provide reports to network nodes upon request, reducing the reliance on manual drive tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual drive tests are conducted to collect measurement data for coverage optimization, then measurement data can be collected, but operational costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The network terminals autonomously perform measurements and store measurement data in their memory during idle mode without requiring manual intervention. The terminals self-manage the data collection process, eliminating the need for drive test personnel to physically collect data while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical drive test system (physical vehicles, personnel, equipment) with an electronic automated system where network terminals automatically perform measurements, store data in memory, and transmit reports electronically. This substitution eliminates the need for physical drive tests while maintaining measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If drive tests are repeated whenever network topology or configuration changes, then measurement data remains accurate, but time consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Network terminals continuously perform measurements and update measurement data in their memory whenever network changes occur, rather than waiting for scheduled drive tests. This continuous automatic updating ensures measurement data remains current without requiring repeated manual testing campaigns.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminals pre-collect and store measurement data in their memory during idle mode before network changes occur. When configuration changes happen, the already-collected data can be immediately utilized or updated with minimal additional measurement time, avoiding the need for complete re-testing.
3Productivity
If measurement data is collected during idle mode, then operational costs are reduced, but data availability for immediate analysis decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminals perform measurements and store measurement data in their memory during idle mode in advance of when the data might be needed. This preliminary data collection ensures that measurement information is already available and stored when network optimization decisions need to be made, eliminating delays associated with data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal memory acts as an intermediary storage medium that holds measurement data collected during idle mode. This intermediate storage allows data to be accumulated without immediate transmission, then made available for analysis when needed, bridging the gap between continuous collection and periodic analysis.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer program product are provided to collect measurement data that may be useful for coverage optimization without having to rely as extensively upon drive tests. In this regard, an apparatus, method and computer program product may be provided for collecting and reporting upon measurement data. Additionally, an apparatus, method and computer program product may be provided for directing the collection of the measurement data and for then receiving a report of the measurement data. A corresponding system for collecting measurement data may also be provided.