Competing Wireless Network Coverage Measurement via UE Self-Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the coverage of a competing wireless communications network are unreliable, time-consuming, and costly, making it challenging for network operators to optimize their infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that configure user endpoint devices subscribed to a second wireless communications network to measure and report radio frequency measurements of a first wireless communications network, allowing for the generation of coverage maps and recommendations for infrastructure modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods are used to measure competing wireless network coverage, then measurement reliability is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables user equipment (UE) to autonomously perform coverage measurements of competing networks while receiving services from their home network. The UE self-configures to measure and report radio frequency measurements of neighboring networks without requiring dedicated measurement campaigns, thereby achieving reliable measurements without significant time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes user equipment serve dual functions: receiving services from their subscribed network while simultaneously measuring and reporting coverage of competing networks. This multi-functionality allows the system to gather competitive intelligence using existing infrastructure rather than requiring separate dedicated measurement systems.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated measurement campaigns are deployed to accurately measure competing network coverage, then measurement precision is improved, but implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
User equipment automatically performs coverage measurements and reports results to the home network operator without requiring manual deployment of dedicated measurement infrastructure. The UE utilizes its existing radio frequency capabilities to measure competing networks, eliminating the need for expensive specialized measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the existing user equipment and their radio frequency measurement capabilities as a copy of dedicated measurement infrastructure. Instead of deploying expensive specialized measurement devices, the system uses ordinary user phones that already possess the necessary measurement capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user equipment is configured to measure and report competing network frequencies, then coverage optimization capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where user equipment continuously measures competing network frequencies and reports results to the home network operator. The operator uses this feedback to generate coverage maps and determine optimal infrastructure modifications, enabling adaptive network optimization without requiring complex user-side configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an application server as an intermediary that manages the measurement process. The server configures user equipment to measure specific frequencies, collects measurement reports, and processes the data to generate coverage maps. This intermediary simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complex measurement management functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a processing system including at least one processor includes sending an instruction to an application executing on a mobile device, where the instruction causes the application to configure the mobile device to measure and report a radio frequency of a first wireless communications access network, wherein the mobile device is subscribed to a service provided by a second wireless communications access network, receiving measurements of the radio frequency of the first wireless communications access network from the mobile device, and generating a coverage map illustrating a coverage of the first wireless communications access network, using the measurements.