Wireless Network Performance Measurement Using Remote Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless network service quality measurement and management systems lack comprehensive testing and data analysis capabilities, making it difficult to identify and address issues such as over-subscription, environmental interference, and coverage limitations across corporate networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing remote devices, including smartphones and tablets, connected to a central data analysis and test control server to measure multiple wireless network parameters, with automated testing and data collection, and an API for integrating third-party data, providing graphical and topographical representations of network performance for easy interpretation and remedial action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If comprehensive wireless network testing is implemented across multiple locations and parameters, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal test devices (mobile devices like smartphones and tablets) that can perform multiple testing functions across different locations and parameters. These devices are configured with test software that enables them to measure various wireless network parameters (signal strength, throughput, latency, etc.) and serve as both test instruments and data collection points, eliminating the need for specialized dedicated testing equipment at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The central server acts as an intermediary that coordinates the distributed test devices. It manages test configurations, collects data from multiple devices, performs comprehensive analysis, and generates reports. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve comprehensive measurement precision while keeping individual device complexity low, as the complex coordination and analysis functions are centralized.
2Reliability
If continuous and periodic testing is performed to monitor network performance, then reliability and service quality assurance improve, but loss of time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic testing where mobile devices automatically perform network quality measurements at predetermined time intervals. The central server configures testing parameters including test frequency, allowing the system to balance continuous monitoring needs with resource conservation. Tests can be scheduled to run at intervals that ensure reliable service quality assurance while minimizing unnecessary data collection and processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The test devices automatically execute configured tests and transmit results to the central server without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the testing workflow, including automatic test initiation, data collection, and result transmission, reducing the time and human resources needed for ongoing network monitoring while maintaining continuous reliability assurance.
3Loss of information
If multiple test parameters are measured simultaneously across distributed devices, then information completeness improves, but difficulty of detecting and measuring and data processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the comprehensive testing task by distributing it across multiple mobile devices located at different positions within the wireless network coverage area. Each device independently measures a subset of parameters (signal strength, throughput, latency, etc.), and the central server aggregates these segmented data sets to form a complete picture of network performance, making the overall measurement process more manageable and less complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The central server provides feedback to test devices by transmitting test configurations and parameters, and receives measured data from devices. Based on this feedback loop, the server analyzes results and can adjust testing parameters or trigger remedial actions when performance thresholds are not met. This structured feedback mechanism simplifies the complexity of managing multiple simultaneous measurements by providing automated analysis and response protocols.
4Productivity
If automated testing and data collection is implemented, then productivity and efficiency improve, but device complexity and automation infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) that employees already possess, rather than requiring specialized dedicated testing equipment. These multi-functional devices can serve both as personal communication tools and as network test instruments when configured with the test software, thereby improving testing productivity without adding dedicated hardware complexity to the organization's infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated testing system is designed to be self-managing through the central server that automatically configures tests, distributes them to available mobile devices, collects results, and generates reports without requiring manual intervention. This self-service automation improves productivity by eliminating manual testing workflows while keeping the complexity contained within the centralized server rather than requiring complex local automation infrastructure at each test point.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring and reporting wireless network service quality using remote devices is disclosed. The system comprises a central analysis and control server, a wireless device, and a wireless network testing software application, which is transmitted to the wireless device. The wireless device performs testing of wireless networks and sends test data to the central server. The received data us transformed and an indicia of wireless network service quality is obtained.