Generic Architecture for Minimizing Drive Tests in Heterogeneous Networks

This paper proposes a generic measurement architecture for automating the collection of User Equipment (UE) radio measurements to minimize the need of manual drive-tests in heterogeneous small cell networks consisting of LTE (Long Term Evolution) and WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) access nodes. The proposed architecture relies on Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) functionality specified in Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and consists of user plane solution with trace assistance. In the proposed solution, trace assistance information, which is signaled to UE as part of MDT configuration, is provided to UE WLAN measurement unit allowing exchanging and correlating measurements later between LTE and WLAN network management systems. In addition, the prospects and the constraints of the architecture are discussed highlighting the importance in various operator use cases. Finally, the RF fingerprint positioning performance improvement of the proposed concept is analyzed by means of field measurements.