Wireless Coverage Assessment Using Terminal Measurement Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for assessing wireless access network coverage are inaccurate due to estimation errors and limited data, and drive tests are costly and only provide data along specific routes, failing to account for terminals without coverage and gaps in coverage areas.

Innovation Solution

An automatic coverage assessment system that collects and estimates signal information from terminals capable of communicating with both wireless access networks, allowing for a more comprehensive and accurate assessment by selecting terminals based on location and criteria, and generating coverage assessments for areas previously out of coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If planning phase coverage calculations based on models are used, then coverage assessment can be performed before network deployment, but the accuracy is limited due to simplifications in attenuation models and incomplete terrain data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for coverage assessmentVSAvoidaccuracy of coverage assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary coverage calculations during the planning phase using propagation models and terrain data to predict coverage areas before actual network deployment. This allows operators to evaluate potential coverage scenarios and make deployment decisions in advance, while the predictions are later refined using real measurement data from deployed networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If drive tests are used for coverage assessment, then reasonably accurate signal strength indications are obtained, but the assessment is limited to locations along the measurement route and the cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of signal strength measurementVSAvoidcost of coverage assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables user terminals to perform multiple functions: they serve as both communication devices and measurement instruments. The terminals automatically measure signals from target base stations and report the data to the network operator, eliminating the need for separate dedicated drive test equipment and personnel while achieving comprehensive coverage assessment across the entire service area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

User terminals autonomously perform coverage measurements without requiring operator intervention or specialized test equipment. The terminals automatically identify target base stations, measure signal parameters, and report results to the network operator, transforming ordinary user devices into self-activating measurement nodes that continuously contribute to coverage assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If network statistics collection is used, then coverage problems can be roughly indicated through connection events, but only terminals connected to the network can be monitored and coverage gaps cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation about coverage problemsVSAvoidability to detect coverage gaps

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system proactively measures coverage in areas where no network connection exists by having terminals in covered areas measure signals from base stations at the boundaries of coverage zones. This preliminary measurement action prevents the loss of information about coverage gaps, as the system actively seeks out and reports signal strength data from locations that would otherwise be invisible to traditional monitoring methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional coverage assessment methods are used, then existing infrastructure can be evaluated, but areas outside current coverage cannot be assessed for potential new base station deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to assess different network configurationsVSAvoidcompleteness of coverage data

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system extends coverage assessment into a new dimension by utilizing user terminals distributed throughout the service area as measurement points. This creates a three-dimensional coverage map that includes not only areas with existing network coverage but also peripheral zones and potential future deployment areas, providing operators with comprehensive spatial information for network planning and optimization decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUSRE48089E1Method and system for automatic coverage assessment for cooperating wireless access networks

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 KONINK KPN NV

AI summary

The invention relates a method and system for assessing coverage of a wireless access network within a desired area via cooperating wireless access networks and terminals capable of measurement and reporting across the different wireless access networks. The cooperation refers to, among other things, the ability of obtaining coverage assessment for one of the wireless access networks using results of the measurements collected at one of the other wireless access networks. In this manner, more accurate and complete coverage assessment may be obtained, relative to the prior art approaches.