Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
  • H04L41/14—Network analysis or design
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W16/00—Network planning, e.g. coverage or traffic planning tools; Network deployment, e.g. resource partitioning or cells structures
  • H04W16/22—Traffic simulation tools or models

Definitions

• the invention relates to a system, a method and the use of said method for providing a virtual simulation environment and diagnostic environment of a telecommunications network.
• a telecommunications network is an assembly of multiple geographically distributed nodes, also called 'base stations', and one or more links that allows communication between two or more connection points of the respective base stations.
• An example of such a network is the public telephone network.
• Such a telecommunications network comprises a wider variety of equipment. This equipment is usually supplied by different manufacturers.
• 5G networks are characterised by a larger capacity and a shorter latency. Unlike older mobile networks, 5G networks operate with high frequency radio waves. Such high frequency radio waves have a smaller range than radio waves from traditional mobile networks. Due to this limited range, additional base stations are required. Moreover, the network equipment provided on the current base stations is often technically insufficient for the implementation of a 5G network.
• WO 2004 102 349 and WO 2011 137 187 both describe a system for managing a telecommunications network.
• WO '349 describes a system comprising a module for receiving and interpreting diagnostic data. Said system further comprises instructions for storing the results of said diagnostic analysis in a database.
• WO ⁇ 87 describes a system comprising a storage medium as well as instructions for monitoring and managing the load of the network.
• US 2014 0 058 709 describes a method for managing a structure by means of sensors provided in the structure. These sensors record information for diagnosis. US '709, however, nowhere describes a base station as a possible structure. Furthermore, diagnosis is only performed on the recorded information and serves to determine the current structural integrity. US '709, however, nowhere describes predicting a structural integrity after performing an update, proposing structural upgrade suggestion, etc.
• the object of the present invention is an improved system for the rapid and efficient roll-out of updates that excludes at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.
• the invention relates to a system suitable for providing a virtual simulation and diagnostic environment of a telecommunications network comprising several base stations.
• Said system comprises a server, a database, an input module, an output module and a structural diagnostic module.
• the invention in a second aspect, relates to a method suitable for providing a virtual simulation and diagnostic environment of a telecommunications network comprising several base stations. Said method comprises providing a server, entering one or more simulation data items and displaying data.
• the invention relates to a use of a computer-implemented method according to a second aspect of the present invention. Said use is suitable for providing a virtual simulation and diagnostic environment of a telecommunications network comprising several base stations.
• the present invention is advantageous as it allows a fast and efficient roll-out of updates to a telecommunications network.
• Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a schematic overview of a configuration of a base station.
• the present invention relates to a system for providing a virtual simulation and diagnostic environment of a telecommunications network.
• the invention was summarised in the section provided for this purpose. In what follows, the invention is described in detail, and preferred embodiments are explained.
• 'a' and 'the' refer to both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly implies otherwise.
• 'a segment' means one or more than segments.
• the invention relates to a system suitable for providing a virtual simulation and diagnostic environment of a telecommunications network comprising several base stations.
• said system comprises a server operatively in communicative connection with one or more input modules, one or more output modules, and at least one database.
• said system further comprises a database comprising data from said base stations.
• said database is operatively in communicative connection with said server.
• said system further comprises an input module for entering data from one or more base stations of said telecommunication network into said database.
• said input module is operatively in communicative connection with said server.
• said system further comprises an output module for displaying data from one or more base stations of said telecommunications network from said database.
• said output module is operatively in communicative connection with said server.
• said system further comprises a diagnostic module configured to perform a structural integrity analysis for a base station based on the data from said base station.
• the data of said base station is comprised by said database.
• said is operatively is in communicative connection with said server.
• said output module is further also configured to display data according to said structural integrity analysis.
• the invention in a second aspect, relates to a method suitable for providing a virtual simulation and diagnostic environment of a telecommunications network comprising several base stations.
• said method comprises providing a server comprising data from said multiple base stations comprised by said telecommunications network.
• said server is operatively in communicative connection with a database.
• said method also comprises entering one or more simulation data items into a diagnostic module configured to perform a structural integrity analysis for a base station based on the data from said base station comprised by said database.
• said diagnostic module is operatively in communicative connection with said server.
• said method also comprises displaying data according to said structural integrity analysis.
• the invention relates to a use of a computer-implemented method according to a second aspect of the present invention. Said use is suitable for providing a virtual simulation and diagnostic environment of a telecommunications network comprising several base stations.
• the object of the invention is to provide a virtual simulation and diagnostic environment of a telecommunications network comprising several base stations.
• the system essentially includes a server, a database, an input module, an output module, and a structural diagnostic module.
• 'Telecommunications network' is to be understood as an assembly of multiple geographically distributed nodes, also called 'base stations', and one or more links that allows communication between two or more connection points of the respective base stations.
• Examples of telecommunications networks are the public telephone network and the internet.
• 'Base station' is to be understood as synonymous with the terms 'telecommunication mast' or simply 'mast' and refers to an architectural support structure or 'pylon' capable of carrying a plurality of telecommunications equipment and preferably constructed specifically for this purpose.
• 'Input module' refers to a computer program operatively in communicative connection with said server, comprising instructions for entering data into a database regarding location and/or configuration of a base station.
• the data of one or more base stations of said telecommunications network can be entered and subsequently passed on to a database.
• Any data set can be entered through the input module when it is required for the operation of a module comprised by the system according to the present invention.
• the aforementioned data can also be forwarded to a database after entry.
• the present invention provides a system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein said input module is configured for entering structural data as well as configuration data of one or more base stations, such as, for example, the shape of a pylon and/or the positioning of an antenna element provided on said pylon.
• the present invention provides a system, wherein said input module is further also configured for entering location data of a base station, such as, for example, GPS coordinates and/or address data.
• a base station such as, for example, GPS coordinates and/or address data.
• This offers the advantage that data in the database can be updated, supplemented and/or corrected with new data.
• a need may arise when, for example, a new base station has to be entered into the database, when an adaptation of an existing base station occurs, or when the data in a database prove to be incorrect.
• the database can be constantly updated, so that the most current information is always available for consultation or project management.
• the present invention provides a system, wherein said input module is configured for entering configuration data of a base station, such as, for example, a 3D model of said base station.
• Output module' is to be understood as synonymous with the term 'display module' and refers to a computer program, operatively in communicative connection with said processing unit, comprising instructions for sending and displaying data.
• data may, for example, be data contained in a database.
• the data from one or more base stations can be displayed via the output module.
• the data is contained in a database.
• said database is operatively in communicative connection with said server.
• any data corresponding to an operation performed by a module on the system as well as any data comprised by a database operatively in communicative connection with said server can be displayed.
• 'Server' is to be understood as synonymous with the term 'central server', 'processing unit' or 'central processing unit' and refers to a physical computer on which one or more computer modules are provided, each module comprising instructions for performing a specific set of tasks.
• the processing unit is provided with means for communicatively connecting different computer modules.
• the server is a cloud server.
• the advantage of such a cloud server is that every device with an internet connection has access to this server.
• a redundant server is additionally provided. Such an implementation protects the system against a server failure.
• 'Database' or 'data bank' refers to a data carrier, preferably an electronic data carrier, which is provided for the management, storage and transmission of data regarding the location and/or configuration of one or more base stations, such as, for example, but not limited to, TRR, lease sketch, building permit, project start, design, acceptance, EP3, synoptic code, radiation permit, stability file, safety case (PTM Health & Safety), project identity, location identification, plate code 2G, plate code 3G, plate code 4G, plate code 5G, industry, client name, operator, owner of the information, place name, address, postcode, city, province, latitude, longitude, Lambert-x, Lambert-y, storage address.
• Said data may comprise, for example, structural properties as well as configuration properties.
• Said data can comprise both parameters and documents.
• 'Diagnostic module' is to be understood as a module, operatively in communicative connection with a processing unit, which module comprises one or more instructions for performing a calculation with one or more data items or data sets.
• the aforementioned data or data sets can be entered using an input module.
• the aforementioned calculations may comprise a structural integrity analysis.
• the aforementioned calculations may comprise a software analysis.
• 'Structural integrity analysis', 'integrity analysis' or 'stability study' should be understood as any calculation that relates to the integrity of a support structure. Such calculations can relate, for example, to a material load or a wind load.
• this support structure is a base station.
• the diagnostic module according to the present invention is configured to perform a structural integrity analysis for a base station based on the data from said base station.
• Said diagnostic module is advantageous since it minimises the risk of human error.
• the diagnostic module is advantageous as it allows calculations to be performed in a standardised manner.
• Said diagnostic module is advantageous since it can be provided with instructions for performing calculations in an automated manner.
• said diagnostic module is configured to perform a structural integrity analysis for a base station based on data from said base station and one or more simulation data items.
• the data of said base station is comprised by said database.
• the aforementioned simulation data is entered by means of an input module.
• Said simulation data can be obtained by means of any module comprised by the system.
• said simulation data comprises one or more structural parameters.
• said system further comprises an upgrade module configured to generate simulation data based on upgrade data.
• said upgrade module is operatively in communicative connection with said server.
• said upgrade data comprises one or more structural parameters.
• Said upgrade data can be obtained by means of an input module.
• Said upgrade data can be obtained by means of a database.
• said database is operatively in communicative connection with said server.
• Said upgrade data can be obtained through any module comprised by the system.
• the structural parameters, comprised by the upgrade data mentioned meet the structural safety requirements of the Eurocode 3 regulation.
• Said structural parameters, comprised by said upgrade data can meet any structural safety requirements.
• the data comprised by said database comprises a technical passport for one or more of said base stations.
• a technical passport of a base station comprises one or more structural data items of said base station.
• a technical passport of a base station comprises one or more configuration data items of said base station.
• said structural diagnostic module is further also configured to associate a label to a base station.
• said label is associated with a base station based on data according to a structural integrity analysis.
• said label is stored in a database.
• said label is associated with said base station based on data according to a structural integrity analysis and a limit value.
• said limit value is a predetermined limit value.
• Said labels may relate to data according to a structural integrity analysis. Said labels can display a status of a base station according to the requirements for a particular network update. Such status is indicative of whether or not a structural adaptation and/or a configuration adaptation of said base station is required.
• Said labels can, for example, comprise a label from the following group: 'upgrade OK', 'reinforcement required' or 'replace mast'.
• a user gets an overview of the different base stations in a simple and quick manner.
• an overview of the different base stations can be obtained in a simple and quick manner for a group of base stations selected by means of a selection module.
• the system further comprises a project management module for managing one or more tasks for one or more base stations.
• Said project management module is preferably operatively in communicative connection with said server.
• said project management module is configured to draw up a task schedule with one or more timelines. Managing one or more tasks can be done, among other things, by keeping track of the status of a task, such as 'not activated', 'activated', 'completed', 'interruption', etc.
• Such status can be assigned to various tasks from a range of tasks, such as, but not limited to, 'drawing up an implementation plan', 'delivery of implementation drawings', 'stability study', 'requesting a building permit', 'requesting a radiation permit', 'requesting an environmental permit'.
• a module can be configured to create and display a workflow with all tasks to be performed based on the implementation drawings.
• said diagnostic module is further also configured to provide a structural upgrade suggestion for a base station.
• said structural upgrade suggestion is provided based on data according to a structural integrity analysis for said base station.
• Said structural upgrade suggestion can be provided based on data for said base station.
• said data is comprised by said database.
• said structural upgrade suggestion is provided based on data according to a structural integrity analysis for said base station and data for said base station comprised by said database.
• 'Upgrade suggestion' should preferably be understood as a suggestion comprising one or more structural features and/or one or more configuration features for a base station.
• Said structural features as well as configuration features may be provided in a base station upgrade passport.
• said diagnostic module is also configured to provide an upgrade passport.
• said upgrade passport is provided on the basis of data according to a structural integrity analysis for a base station.
• said upgrade passport is provided on the basis of data according to a structural integrity analysis for a base station and data according to a technical passport of said base station.
• said diagnostic module is further also configured to perform a structural integrity analysis for a base station based on data comprised by an upgrade passport for said base station.
• said system further comprises a visualisation module configured to visualise one or more data items of a base station comprised by said database.
• said visualisation module is operatively in communicative connection with said server.
• Such a visualisation module facilitates the interpretation of data for a base station comprised by a database.
• said visualisation module is further also configured to visualise a structural upgrade suggestion for a base station. By visualising said structural upgrade suggestion, it is easy to interpret by a user.
• said system may further comprise a search module configured to look up data from one or more base stations in said database.
• said search module is operatively in communicative connection with said server.
• 'Search module' is to be understood as a module, operatively in communicative connection with a processing unit, which module contains one or more instructions for comparing a search term with one or more data items or data sets in a database and for displaying the associated data to a user through an output module.
• the search term or query can be entered using an input module.
• said system further comprises a selection module configured to select one or more data items of a base station based on data of said base station.
• said data from said base station is comprised by said database.
• said selection module is operatively in communicative connection with said server.
• the aforementioned selection can be made by means of a search module.
• Such a selection module is advantageous since it allows selecting one or more base stations.
• said diagnostic module is configured to perform a structural integrity analysis for a base station selected by means of said selection module.
• Such a selection module is advantageous since it allows a structural integrity analysis to be performed for one or more selected base stations.
• Such a selection module allows a batch calculation. Such a selection module simplifies the roll-out of a network update.
• the present invention provides a system according to the first aspect of the invention, comprising one or more electronic devices.
• electronic devices comprise, but are not limited to, mobile computers, smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
• said electronic devices are operatively in communicative connection with said server.
• said electronic devices are provided with a user interface.
• Such user interfaces are suitable for entering data into said input module.
• Such user interfaces are suitable for displaying project information on a user interface.
• said system further comprises a user-specific access module.
• said user-specific access module is operatively in communicative connection with said server.
• said user-specific access module is configured to verify one or more access data items. This offers the advantage that different user levels can be defined in advance, with corresponding responsibilities and access options corresponding to each user level. In addition, depending on the type of user level, different types of data can be made accessible.
• the term 'access module' is to be understood as a module that provides access to the system of the present invention.
• Such user identification is to be understood as verifying, for example, login details, such as, for example, but not limited to, a username and/or password.
• the server preferably operatively in communicative connection with one or more input modules, one or more output modules and at least one database;
• the database preferably operatively in communicative connection with the server, and further preferably wherein said database is a database of the at least one database;
• the input module preferably operatively in communicative connection with the server, further preferably wherein said input module is an input module of the one or more input modules;
• the output module preferably operatively in communicative connection with the server, and further preferably wherein said output module is an output module of the one or more output modules.
• the diagnostic module is to be understood as a module operatively in communicative communication with the server and configured to perform a structural integrity analysis for a base station based on data according to said base station comprised by the database.
• the diagnostic module is operatively in communicative connection with a processing unit.
• the processing unit is comprised by the server.
• the diagnostic module comprises instructions for performing a calculation with data according to said base station comprised by the database. The calculation relates to a structural integrity analysis.
• the structural integrity analysis should preferably be understood as a calculation that relates to the integrity of a support structure. Integrity or structural integrity refers to the ability of a support structure to support a load without damaging this support structure. Damage to the support structure may refer to the breaking or deformation of one or more elements comprised by the base station. Accordingly, structural integrity analysis should preferably be understood as determining whether the integrity or structural integrity of the support structure can be ensured over a given time interval and environmental conditions, i.e. whether the support structure will be damaged during this time interval and environmental conditions.
• the term 'support structure' herein refers to a base station and further preferably a pylon comprised by this base station.
• the term 'load' herein refers to telecommunications equipment connected to the support structure, more preferably the base station, and even more preferably the pylon comprised by the base station.
• the term 'time interval' herein refers to a period of time from performing the structural integrity analysis to some point in the future.
• the term 'environmental conditions' herein refers to an average wind amount, precipitation amount, etc.
• the data according to said base station comprised by the database for performing a structural integrity analysis by the diagnostic module preferably comprises structural data and/or configuration data from said base station comprised by a technical passport corresponding to said base station.
• Structural data from said base station preferably refers to a shape of the pylon comprised by said base station.
• Configuration data from said base station preferably refers to configuration information for antenna elements provided on the pylon of said base station.
• the simulation data comprises one or more structural parameters.
• the one or more structural parameters comprised by the simulation data comprises structural information regarding a simulated load for which a structural integrity analysis is to be performed by the diagnostic module.
• the simulation data comprises information relating to the time interval over which the structural integrity analysis is to be performed by the diagnostic module.
• the simulation data comprises information relating to environmental conditions on which the structural integrity analysis is to be performed by the diagnostic module.
• the system suitable for providing a virtual simulation and diagnostic environment of a telecommunications network comprising several base stations comprises:
• a server operatively in communicative connection with one or more input modules, with one or more output modules, and with at least one database;
• a database operatively in communicative connection with said server, comprising data from said base stations, said database being a database of the at least one database;
• an input module operatively in communicative connection with said server, for inputting data from one or more base stations of said telecommunications network into said database, said input module being an input module of the one or more input modules;
• an output module operatively in communicative connection with said server, for displaying data of one or more base stations of said telecommunications network from said database, said output module being an output module of the one or more output modules;
• a diagnostic module operatively in communicative connection with said server, and configured to perform a structural integrity analysis for a base station based on data according to said base station comprised by said database and one or more simulation data items, said simulation data items comprising one or more structural parameters; wherein the data according to said base station comprised by the database for performing a structural integrity analysis by the diagnostic module, comprising structural data and/or configuration data of said base station, preferably wherein said structural data and/or configuration data of said base station are comprised by a technical passport according to said base station;
• the one or more structural parameters comprised by the simulation data comprise structural information related to a simulated load for which the structural integrity analysis is to be performed by the diagnostic module, preferably wherein the simulation data further comprises information regarding the time interval over which the structural integrity analysis should be performed by the diagnostic module, further preferably wherein the simulation data further comprises information regarding environmental conditions for which the structural integrity analysis is to be performed by the diagnostic module.
• structural integrity analysis is to be understood as determining whether the structural integrity of the base station, preferably a pylon comprised by the base station, for which the structural integrity analysis is performed is guaranteed with a simulated load, i.e. that the base station will not be damaged during such simulated load .
• structural integrity analysis is to be understood as determining whether the structural integrity of the base station, preferably a pylon comprised by the base station, for which the structural integrity analysis is performed is guaranteed at a simulated load and over a time interval over which the structural integrity analysis must be performed by the diagnostic module, i.e. that the base station will not be damaged during such simulated load and time interval.
• structural integrity analysis is to be understood as determining whether the structural integrity of the base station, preferably a pylon comprised by the base station, for which the structural integrity analysis is performed is guaranteed at a simulated load, over a time interval over which the structural integrity analysis is to be performed by the diagnostic module and environmental conditions for which the structural integrity analysis is to be performed by the diagnostic module, i.e. that the base station will not be damaged during such simulated load, time interval and environmental conditions.
• the data entered in said database is evaluated by means of an expert system.
• Software systems are referred to as expert systems if they can perform a data evaluation based on expert knowledge, preferably automatically.
• Expert knowledge can herein take the form, for example, of a collection of input data which is stored in the expert system, each of the data items in this set having been defined as good or bad by an expert.
• the expert system may thus compare data entered in said database with the data of the entered data set and assess the entered data accordingly, for example as good or bad, i.e. as correct or incorrect.
• a self-learning neural network which can be combined with professional knowledge, is suitable as an expert system.
• data formats can be compared between the data entered in said database and the collection of input data.
• the expert system can also check where an error occurs with the data entered in said database.
• the result of the expert system is displayed via an output module of the one or more output modules, further preferably said output module.
• the structural integrity analysis for a base station based on data according to said base station comprised by said database is performed by means of a trained reinforced learning model.
• the trained reinforced learning model is obtained by training a machine learning model based on a set of training-related historical structural integrity analyses, each of the historical structural integrity analyses associated with a set of input conditions comprising structural and/or configuration data for a base station and simulation data and a set of output conditions comprising information associated with a structural integrity analysis performed on said set of input conditions.
• a trained machine learning model determines which structural and/or configuration adaptations to the base station are required to ensure structural integrity for the structural integrity analysis performed.
• Examples of structural and/or configuration adjustment comprise structural and/or configuration information regarding a pylon foundation, bolts used in the pylon, mast leg reinforcement, compression ring placement, diagonal replacement, alternative antenna configuration, etc.
• This structural and/or configuration adjustment preferably takes into account price, installation time, maintenance costs, etc.
• it is determined by means of a trained machine-learning model whether, by a reconfiguration, i.e. relocation, of antenna elements provided on a base station, more antenna elements can be placed in the future.
• optimises 'empty space' for future antennas is particularly relevant for pylons with multi-operator antenna elements. For example, it can be determined which masts are redundant, or which nearby mast can handle the antenna load of multiple operators by 'spectrum sharing'.
• Example 1 Base station configuration
• the current example relates to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the system comprises a visualisation module.
• the schematic configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2 can be visualised using a visualisation module.
• Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic configuration of a base station (1).
• a technical passport of such a configuration may comprise one or more structural data items of the pylon structure (4).
• Said technical passport may also comprise one or more configuration data items of one or more antenna elements (3).
• Said technical passport may also comprise configuration data of a switch box (2) corresponding to said base station (1).
• the present example also relates to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the diagnostic module is also configured to provide a structural upgrade suggestion (5) for a base station (1).
• said upgrade suggestion (5) is based on data according to a structural integrity analysis for said base station (1).
• the visualisation module is further also configured to visualise said structural upgrade suggestion (5) for a base station.
• a visualisation of said structural upgrade suggestion (5) is shown in Figure 2.
• said structural upgrade suggestion (5) may relate to an antenna element as a control box element. Examples of such antenna elements include ANT and RRU systems, among others.
• the present example relates to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the data from one or more base stations comprises a technical passport.
• a technical passport according to the present embodiment comprises structural data and configuration data of said base station.
• Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic configuration of a base station.
• Figure 3 shows a schematic overview of a pylon.
• the technical passport according to the embodiment may comprise, among other things, the beam configuration of a pylon (4).
• Such beam configuration comprises the number of horizontal (6), diagonal (7) and vertical beam members (8) as well as the structural relationship between said beam members.
• the technical passport may also comprise a 3D model of the pylon structure (4).
• the technical passport according to the present embodiment can also comprise the configuration of the different antenna elements on said pylon structure (4).

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
• Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

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• 2019
  • 2019-07-12 BE BE20195450A patent/BE1027111B1/nl active IP Right Grant
• 2020
  • 2020-07-10 WO PCT/IB2020/056518 patent/WO2021009643A1/en unknown
  • 2020-07-10 EP EP20753424.9A patent/EP3997841A1/en active Pending

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