Wireless Coverage Gap Detection via Mobile Unit Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying coverage gaps in wireless communication systems are inefficient, often requiring costly field deployments and resulting in user dissatisfaction and revenue loss due to involuntary call termination when a mobile unit moves into an area with poor signal quality.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing data from mobile units in a location-based resource management system to collect and analyze signal quality metrics, which are then used to map and identify coverage gaps through statistical and quantitative analysis, enabling visual representation and automatic identification of areas with weak or absent wireless links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If field deployment methods are used to identify coverage gaps, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile units equipped with GPS receivers and signal quality measurement capabilities to copy the function of field deployment teams. These mobile units autonomously collect coverage data across the service area, eliminating the need for expensive and complex field deployment operations while maintaining measurement accuracy through systematic data collection from multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables mobile units to self-monitor and self-report their signal quality and location data automatically. The mobile units independently perform measurements, transmit data to the server, and contribute to the overall coverage map without requiring external field deployment coordination, thereby simplifying the process while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If field deployment methods are used to identify coverage gaps, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to deployment and data collection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous data collection by mobile units as they move through the service area. Rather than discrete field deployment operations, the system maintains ongoing measurement and transmission of coverage data, enabling real-time updates of the coverage map and immediate identification of gaps without time loss associated with deployment cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having mobile units continuously monitor and report signal quality before coverage gaps are fully characterized. This proactive data collection allows the system to identify and map coverage issues as they occur, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-deployment analysis and enabling faster response to coverage problems.
3Device complexity
If coverage gaps are not identified, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to involuntary call termination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where mobile units continuously report their signal quality and location data to a central server. This feedback loop enables the system to identify coverage gaps in real-time and provide information to carriers for network optimization, thereby improving call continuity reliability without requiring complex field deployment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary data collection and processing layer between the wireless network and the carrier. Mobile units serve as intermediaries that automatically gather coverage information and transmit it to the server, which then analyzes the data and provides insights to carriers. This intermediary approach enables reliable coverage gap identification without adding complexity to the core network infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining coverage gaps within a geographical area served by a wireless communication network includes: (a) receiving a location report from each of a plurality of mobile units; (b) storing all location reports received from the mobile units in a database; and (c) searching the database for a position within the geographical area at which an acceptable quality wireless signal has not been received. The location report may include a measured signal quality metric of the wireless link, which may be the signal strength of the wireless link, a bit error rate of the wireless link, or both. Location reports may be displayed on a map to show coverage quality and gaps. Statistical technique and quantitative techniques can be applied on the signal quality metrics reported.