UAV-Based UE Positioning for 3D MU-MIMO Network Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) wireless networks face challenges due to the complexity of radio wave propagation environments, making it difficult to manually measure and verify the collective behavior of multiple user equipment (UEs) across the entire coverage area, especially with the added vertical coverage dimension in 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
The use of unmanned vehicles (UAVs) equipped with user equipment (UEs) that follow a testing location algorithm to identify optimal testing locations by moving between candidate locations, determining measurement values, and selecting reference locations based on these measurements to facilitate efficient MU-MIMO testing across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual driving tests are used for measuring link performance, then testing can be performed with simple equipment, but it becomes almost impossible to carry out pairing of multiple UEs (16 or more) manually across the whole coverage area
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated algorithms that self-manage the testing process. The pairing algorithm automatically selects and pairs multiple UEs based on channel conditions, and the unmanned vehicle autonomously navigates to optimal testing locations without human intervention, making the system self-sufficient for large-scale MU-MIMO testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated computational systems. Instead of manually driving vehicles and coordinating multiple UEs, the system uses computer-controlled algorithms for UE pairing, automated vehicle navigation, and real-time measurement collection, substituting human labor with intelligent automation
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cellular mobile system testing is performed, then horizontal coverage can be tested, but vertical coverage dimension testing is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends testing from two-dimensional horizontal coverage to three-dimensional coverage by utilizing unmanned vehicles that can operate at different altitudes. This adds the vertical dimension to the testing space, enabling evaluation of MU-MIMO performance in both horizontal and vertical directions, which is essential for 5G networks with active antenna systems
Solution Approach 2:
The unmanned vehicle platform serves multiple testing functions simultaneously - it can test both horizontal and vertical coverage, support multiple UE pairings, and operate in various wireless environments. This multi-functional approach increases adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity
3Measurement precision
If expensive channel emulators are used for testing, then accurate radio wave propagation can be simulated, but the testing becomes costly and less accessible
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using expensive channel emulators that create simulated radio environments, the patent uses actual field measurements from unmanned vehicles carrying UEs in real wireless environments. The system copies real-world propagation conditions directly through measurement rather than simulation, achieving accurate data without the cost of sophisticated emulation equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive, complex channel emulator equipment with simpler, more affordable unmanned vehicles and standard UE devices. While the vehicles are temporary deployment assets rather than permanent infrastructure, their lower cost and ease of deployment make the testing approach more accessible and cost-effective
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are provided for network testing. In one embodiment, a method in an unmanned vehicle includes controlling a movement of the unmanned vehicle carrying the UE according to a testing location algorithm, the testing location algorithm comprising moving the unmanned vehicle carrying the UE to at least one candidate testing location, determining at least one measurement value at the at least one candidate testing location and determining a reference location based at least in part on the determined at least one measurement value. In another embodiment, a method in a network node initiating a launch of at least one unmanned vehicle of a plurality of unmanned vehicles, each of the at least one unmanned vehicle moving one of the plurality of UEs to a reference location, each reference location corresponding to a testing location.