Wireless Base Station Site Planning Tool for Small Cell Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless communication system installations, particularly for small cell networks, are inefficient due to complex site planning processes, high costs, and the need for frequent modifications caused by unexpected obstacles, leading to time-consuming and costly iterations between designers and installation specialists.
Innovation Solution
A portable installation management tool with a graphical user interface that allows installation specialists to perform in-person surveys, propose alternative locations, and update site plans in real-time, overlaying network infrastructure maps to identify suitable locations for wireless base stations, thereby reducing the need for iterative design modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional site planning processes are used for small cell network installations, then coverage requirements can be met, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming due to frequent modifications caused by unexpected obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of alternative locations and their coverage characteristics before installation is actually undertaken. The site planning tool pre-calculates coverage predictions for multiple potential base station locations, so when obstacles are encountered during installation, suitable alternative locations are already identified and can be immediately implemented without time-consuming redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where installation specialists can report unexpected obstacles during the installation process, and the site planning tool automatically re-evaluates and provides modified site plans. This continuous feedback loop allows the system to adapt to actual field conditions while maintaining coverage requirements.
2Loss of information
If designers create detailed site plans in advance, then coverage predictions can be made, but iterative modifications are required when obstacles are discovered during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The site planning system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. When obstacles are identified during installation, the system automatically updates the site plan by selecting alternative locations from pre-analyzed options and recalculating coverage predictions. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for manual iterative modifications between designers and installation specialists.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of multiple alternative locations and their coverage characteristics before installation begins. This pre-computation of coverage predictions for various scenarios allows the system to quickly adapt to obstacles by selecting from pre-evaluated alternatives without losing coverage accuracy or requiring complex iterative redesign.
3Reliability
If cell towers are installed for long-range coverage, then connectivity can be provided, but the cost and financial commitment become prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network coverage problem into multiple small cell base stations distributed throughout the geographical region, each providing localized coverage. This segmentation approach replaces the need for expensive long-range cell towers while achieving the same overall connectivity goal through numerous lower-cost units that can be installed on existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of base station range from long-range (cell towers) to short-range (small cell base stations). By deploying multiple short-range units strategically throughout the region, the system achieves comprehensive coverage at lower cost, leveraging the ability to mount these units on existing infrastructure rather than requiring dedicated tower construction.
4Area of stationary object
If pico base stations are deployed to provide short-range coverage, then additional wireless coverage becomes possible, but the number of base stations required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes base stations multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as coverage providers and as nodes that leverage existing network infrastructure. By designing the system to automatically identify and utilize existing infrastructure resources, each base station performs multiple functions: providing wireless coverage, utilizing shared backhaul connections, and potentially serving as a relay for other base stations, thereby reducing the total number needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical user interface displays a proposed site plan of one or more new base stations with respect to existing network infrastructure in a geographical region. While in the field, an installation specialist can perform an in-person survey of the geographical region to determine whether a proposed location is suitable for installation of a wireless base station. The installation specialist may identify an obstacle that would inhibit a newly proposed wireless base station from providing desired coverage if installed at the proposed location. Via input to the graphical user interface, the installation specialist proposes an alternative location in which to install the new base station. A processor performs a validity check and provides feedback indicating whether installation of the new base station at the alternative location is acceptable. The graphical user interface also can support collection of site survey data to monitor progress of the installation.