Integrated mobility network planning

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, collecting and storing data about a communication environment including one or more communication networks wherein respective communication networks of the one or more communication networks employ respective communication technologies for communication with remote user devices in the communication environment, providing traffic forecasts of communication traffic, creating importance layers for potential build locations for equipment of the one or more communication networks, identifying desirable build locations among the potential build locations of the one or more communication networks based on the traffic forecasts of communication traffic and the importance layers, receiving user input defining planning parameters for the communication environment and determining respective target goal values for respective build options for the one or more communication networks based on the planning parameters, the identified desirable build locations and the traffic forecasts. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to integrated mobility network planning.

BACKGROUND

Mobile networks provide communication services for devices in service regions. As smart phones and other portable devices become ubiquitous, mobile networks must be expanded to accommodate growing demand. In addition, there is an increase in number and type of available communication technologies for implementing and expanding mobile network coverage and capacity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments for efficient and automatic planning and build out of mobile communication networks. Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include identifying and prioritizing opportunities for expansion of one or more mobile networks which employ differing communication technologies such as cellular, fiber, fixed wireless, etc.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure allows providing efficient capital spending and enables nimble plan adjustments to accommodate available capital across a variety of domains including traditional radio access networks (RAN) and disaggregated radio access networks, fixed wireless networks, and fiber networks.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include allowing users to select the right communication technology in the right geographical region to maximize or increase performance metrics such as Return on Investment (ROI). This includes allowing users the ability to prioritize builds based on business mandates, network performance indicators, importance metrics and investment costs.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure allow a user or communication network operator to accommodate changing technological requirements in existing communication networks such as development of new communication technologies, expansion of communication traffic beyond current capacity and expansion of the communication networks to new geographical regions, including collecting information about the existing networks

Referring now toFIG. 1, a block diagram is shown illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a communications environment100in accordance with various aspects described herein. The communications environment100may include one or more communications networks operated by a system operator. For example, communications environment100can facilitate in whole or in part providing communication services to fixed and mobile devices in various geographical locations using a variety of communication technologies over a variety of communication networks. The respective communication networks employ respective communication technologies such as cellular radio communication, WiFi communication, mm-Wave communication, satellite communication, broadband, and others now known or later developed. As network demand varies, and as new communication network technologies become available or as the relative cost of building out the communication environment100changes, one or more aspects of the subject disclosure enable and automate planning, selecting and building out one or more respective networks of the communication environment100to achieve various technological, service and financial goals. A user can perform “what if” simulations to see the effects of various network planning options for the communication environment100.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point122can include a fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), or higher generation cellular base station, an access point that operates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or other wireless access terminal. The mobile devices124can include mobile phones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or other mobile computing devices.

From time to time, one or more of the communications network125, the broadband access110, wireless access120, voice access130, media access140may require expansion or reconfiguration to accommodate changes in traffic or technological capabilities. For example, availability of new handset types, such as 5G cellular, may require building out the wireless access120with new or additional base stations or access points122to add network capacity to accommodate growing 5G communication traffic. In the present context, building out a communication network includes operations such as identifying a need for additional communication infrastructure, determining what type or technology is required, such as 5G or broadband or fiber, etc., determining physical locations for new or additional equipment, installing the new or additional equipment and bringing the new or additional equipment into service. Building out a network may also include substituting one type of communication network technology for another type, due to various technical and business factors. A wide variety of factors may be considered during the process, including factors of technological choice, environmental factors, financial factors and marketing factors.

FIG. 2Ais a block diagram200illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a system for planning expansion and build out of aspects of the communication environment100ofFIG. 1in accordance with various aspects described herein. When a network such as the communication environment100is being planned for expansion or reconfiguration, many aspects must be balanced and prioritized. The block diagram200shows one embodiment of a set of build priorities based on business mandates, network performance indicators, importance metrics and investment costs, as shown inFIG. 2A.

In some aspects, the subject disclosure provides an integrated planning platform for planning configuration, reconfiguration and expansion of a communication network such as the communication environment100ofFIG. 1. The integrated planning platform provides a planning tool for a user such as an operator of the communication environment100. Network build out can be expensive and require substantial investment by a network operator in real estate, equipment, labor and other factors. Network build out can take months or years to accomplish. Because of the time and money involved, it is important to plan accurately and with reliable information. The planning tool permits the user to make financial and other decisions about network planning using current data. The planning tool permits optimization of capital spending and enables nimble plan adjustments to accommodate available capital across a variety of domains including traditional radio access networks (RAN), disaggregated RAN, Fixed Wireless networks, and Fiber. The planning tool allows users to select the right technology in the right place to increase or maximize a target goal value for one or more networks or for the system operator of the networks. In some examples, the target goal value is a financial target goal, such as Return on Investment (ROI) or profitability. In other examples, the target goal value is a technological target goal, such as network capacity or throughput or latency.

The exemplary block diagram200shows one embodiment of a set of build prioritization dimensions, including business priorities202, performance key performance indicators (KPIs)204, importance metrics206and investment costs208. Business priorities202include items which have an economic or financial significance to the business entity that owns, operates, develops or maintains the communication environment100. Business priorities202include factors related to markets for communication services, competitive environment, corporate goals. This can include mandates, such as expanding a communication network into a new geographical area or market segment. This can include strategic initiatives, like leading in a newly developed market such as 5G cellular, or time or financial factors such as a deadline to complete a project.

Performance KPIs204in the integrated planning platform can include factors related to providing communication service, measuring service factors such as quality and reliability, etc. KPIs204in some embodiments include measuring data throughput, which is a measure of the average achievable bit rate, or tail throughput which reflects bit rate that is achievable a high percentage of time. Other KPIs204can include objective or subjective measurements of performance such as a data transmission speed test produced by a third party provider. Other KPIs can include accessibility, which measures success rate of attempts to access a network, or retainability, which measures the ability of a call to successfully complete as intended by the user. Some of the KPIs204may be established as industry standard factors such as accessibility and retainability. Others may be established by the network operator as performance goals.

Importance metrics206include corporate business factors that prescribe and measure successful operation of communication environment100as a business. Importance metrics206may include financial factors such as earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), which is a financial or accounting measure of corporate operating performance. Importance metrics206may also include churn or churn rate, which may refer to the proportion of contractual customers or subscribers who leave a supplier during a given time period. Importance metrics206may also include a measure of number or percentage of subscribers or potential subscribers to telecommunication service who are early adopters, or individuals who start using a product or technology as soon as it becomes available. Importance metrics206may also include a measure of quantity of influencers or individuals who can affect purchasing decisions of others because of apparent knowledge or authority or relationship with an audience, such as on social media. Importance metrics206may also include a measure of quantity of subscribers or potential subscribers who are likely to accept a newly offered telecommunication service, or new service terms or subscribers who are likely to adopt a newly available telecommunication technology, such as 5G or other technical features. Importance metrics206may also include a measure of quantity of subscribers or potential subscribers who have particular hobbies or interests, such as frequent travelers or recreational vehicle (RV) owners. Importance metrics206may also include a measure of quantity of subscribers or potential subscribers who are affiliated with an enterprise, such as small business owners or operators. Importance metrics206may also include a measure of quantity of subscribers or potential subscribers who participate in online games or gamers. Importance metrics206may also include a measure of quantity of subscribers or potential subscribers who particularly value one or more network features or KPIs such as data communication. Importance metrics206may also include a measure of quantity of subscribers or potential subscribers who have expressed a degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with performance of an existing telecommunication network. Other importance metrics206can include competitive position or the value of a brand or product or service relative to others in a market, cross product lift, which may describe an effect on sales of one product because of or in relation to sales of another product. Importance metrics206may include other factors or measures of success of a business, a product or a service.

Investment costs208include expenditures that are required or optional as part of expanding or reconfiguring communication environment100. Investment costs208can include build costs, such as the costs of new equipment, real estate costs to purchase or lease areas to locate infrastructure equipment. Investment costs208can include sunk costs which are expenditure already made for existing items, goods or services. Investment costs208can include other costs such as tax opportunity zones or any other expense that may be accounted for when planning for an expanded or reconfigured communication network.

The integrated planning platform in accordance with the block diagram200and embodiments of the subject disclosure can be used to evaluate a single technology network as well as to design an optimal multilayer communication network. In a single technology network, a single communication technology such as 5G cellular, 5G mmWave, 802.11 WiFi, or others, may be planned an implemented. A multilayer communication network incorporates different technologies or technology layers, where each layer operates in support of the others. In some embodiments, the integrated planning platform in accordance with the subject disclosure enables users to perform rapid, iterative what-if scenario analysis in which inputs to a network plan are specified and varied to see a modelled effect. Such planning allows a network operator to accommodate increasing customer demand and growth change based on data-driven decision making. Such planning allows users to prioritize build options based on a variety of metrics that are mapped to geospatial coverage areas.

FIG. 2Bis a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of functional components of an integrated planning platform210for planning and build out of the communication environment100ofFIG. 1in accordance with various aspects described herein. The integrated planning platform210in one embodiment includes a feature selection module212, a rapid what-if forecasting module214, a rapid capacity/KPI calculator216and a build prioritization module218. Other embodiments of the integrated planning platform210may include alternative, additional or fewer functional modules, depending on implementation requirements. Also, other embodiments may group or separate functional aspects of the integrated planning platform differently to accommodate different design and implementation goals. The modules which provide the functional capabilities of the integrated planning platform210may be implemented using hardware such as a processor system including a processor and a memory for storing data and instructions, software, or any suitable combination of these.

The feature selection module212in some embodiments allows users to enter different forecast scenarios for one or more communication networks of the communication environment100, financial criteria for network investment, build priority metrics and technology metrics. The forecast selection module212operates as a user interface to receive user inputs to the integrated planning platform210. The user inputs specify details of a forecast scenario to be tested by the integrated planning platform210. Such details may include communication technologies of interest (5G, fiber, WiFi, for example) and geospatial information such as a region or neighborhood for possible expansion, or customer features such as prevalence of early adopters of a new technology. Such details may also include financial criteria such as timing and availability of investment in the network.

The rapid what-if forecasting module214in some embodiments may allow users to perform rapid what-if studies based on a variety of factors of interest to the user. For example, a user may specify overall tonnage or traffic volume, device and traffic mix, and new service impacts. The aforementioned examples are illustrative and other dimensions may also be added or substituted. Upon receipt of the user specified forecast scenarios, the integrated planning platform210will model the effect on a communication system such as the communication system100of the forecast scenario, using techniques and processes described in the subject disclosure. The capability to perform rapid scenario analysis allows users to perform sensitivity analysis to a variety of network scenarios.

The rapid capacity/KPI calculator216allows users to quickly calculate where capacity is needed for each individual communication technology based on one or more key performance indicators (KPIs). Example KPIs include network throughput, accessibility, retainability and a competitive quality score. These are intended to be exemplary KPIs and not exhaustive. Any suitable KPI or other performance metric or indicator that may be of interest to the user or to an owner or operator of a communication network may be specified.

The rapid capacity/KPI calculator216may determine which communication technology may require, or benefit from, or be the best candidate for expansion or reconfiguration from among a group of available communication technologies. Examples of such technologies include microcellular networks including all-in-one base stations, as in for example, in first generation (1G) and second generation (2G) networks), distributed base stations as in third generation (3G) cellular networks, building base stations or access points, for example, at new sites. Other example of such technologies include centralized radio access networks (CRAN), fifth generation (5G) cellular networks, fiber networks and others. As one example, based on specified key performance indicators, the rapid capacity/KPI calculator216may determine which network should be built out or expanded, and where, in order to meet forecast capacity changes.

The build prioritization module218provides network planning information for a user or an operator of a communication network based on information received by the forecast selection module212, information produced by the rapid what-if forecasting module214and information received by and produced by the rapid capacity/KPI calculator216. The build prioritization module218may group leading candidates across multiple build technologies, constrained by the financial objectives, mandates, KPIs and build timing constraints. The integrated planning platform210can accommodate a variety of optimization or efficiency functions and constraints using a feature selection capability of the forecast selection module212, which in turn drives the build prioritization function of the build prioritization module218. The build prioritization module218may operate to increase or optimize a target goal value. The target goal value may include one or more financial features such as return on investment (ROI). In some examples, the target goal may be a technological target goal, such as network capacity or throughput or latency. Further, the build prioritization module218may provide various data visualization facilities, such as geographic information system (GIS) maps, graphs and reports in various formats that may be specified by the user.

The build prioritization module218may use other importance metrics and financial or cost metrics for determining a build prioritization. Some example financial metrics include EBITDA, profitability, and 5G early adopters. Another example financial metric is cross-product lift, in which mobility investment drives fiber adoption. Another financial metric may include business information such as strategic growth zones, including for example, real-estate development, population density, environmental considerations, etc.

Other metrics used by the build prioritization module218may be competitive in nature, aggregated across geographic areas These may include, for example, third party reported network performance metrics, network-driven churn, aggregated information about penetration of other network services, and customer characteristics such as percentages of customers who prioritize network quality, versus price of network service or other factors, or percentages of customers who have heavy influence on the behavior of the people with whom they communicate.

Still other metrics that may be used by the build prioritization module218may relate to build cost, that is, the expenditure necessary to acquire and buy equipment and real estate to build out a planned network. These factors may include a total build cost, a sunk build cost, a need-by date for the network, feasibility of building a planned network, given all factors, fiber proximity, pole characteristics where infrastructure equipment may be installed on existing or to-be-installed telephone poles.

The network planning information provided by the build prioritization module218may be used by the user or an operator of one or more communication networks of the communication environment100(FIG. 1) to test network expansion, configuration and reconfiguration models and to select a communication network according to the planning information. Selecting a communication network for expansion or configuration or reconfiguration may include deciding on which network of a plurality of existing networks of the communication environment to expand or deciding to develop and configure a new network. Selecting a communication network for expansion or configuration or reconfiguration may also include selecting a radio communication technology to use, such as LTE or 5G cellular or WiFi or WiMax. The network planning information provided by the build prioritization module218may also be used by the user or an operator of one or more communication networks to build out the selected communication network. Building out the network in some embodiments may include financing the building out project, acquiring real estate if required, acquiring spectrum if required, acquiring equipment such as new fixed radio communication equipment or wireline backhaul equipment, if required, installing new equipment or repurposing old equipment to new locations or new functions and other processes as well. Each respective process may require sub-processes such as purchasing equipment, scheduling work crews, installing the equipment, and so forth. The network planning information provided by the build prioritization module218may be used by the user or an operator of one or more communication networks to fully plan and implement new or expanded communication networks.

More details about the operation of the respective modules of the integrated planning platform210will be provided throughout the subject disclosure.

FIG. 2Cis a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a platform architecture220for planning and build out of the communication network ofFIG. 1in accordance with various aspects described herein. The platform architecture220includes an integrated data module222, a data collector224, a platform microservices module226, an application services module228, an integrated planning prioritizer module230, a reporting and visualization module232, a scenario creator module235and an orchestrator module237. In various embodiments, the platform architecture220may include more or fewer functional modules than are shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2C. Similarly, the functions for the modules described herein may be distributed among different structural components in alternative embodiments. The modules forming the platform architecture220may be implemented in hardware such as a processor system including a processor and a memory for storing data and instructions, software, or any suitable combination of these.

FIG. 2Dis a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of an integrated data module222for use in the architecture ofFIG. 2Cin accordance with various aspects described herein. The integrated data module222stores data for use by other modules of the platform architecture. The stored data may be collected from a wide variety of sources. The stored data may include high quality physical environmental data such as geospatial data234about a physical environment of the communication environment100. The stored data may further include network data236, importance metrics data238, forecasting data240, a data catalog242, other data244and the data collector224.

The geospatial data234stored in the integrated data module may be enriched using machine learning and may be integrated from across multiple data sources to create an accurate, enriched, geo-spatially tagged, consistent set of data. Geotagging or geo-spatial tagging involves associating information defining one or more geographical locations with data, such as a street address, map coordinates, etc. In some embodiments, the geospatial data234is consistently geo-tagged and duplicates are removed for identified assets so that that the stored data can be used across many environments and use cases. The geospatial data234may be stored in a geospatial database so that different datasets can be correlated with each other. Examples of data included in geospatial data are information about buildings, trees, fiber, streetlamps and utility poles. Other data and data types may be included as well.

Network data236may include information about network configuration and observed network performance, such as information about traffic communication hot spots, where surges in traffic occur in time or geographical location, etc., and other historical data The network data236may further include information about competitive networks and network performance information. The network data236may further include information about network KPIs such as throughput, accessibility, retainability etc., as well as information on deployed network inventory

The importance metrics data238may include information about parameters of interest to a user or an operator of a communication system such as communication system100(FIG. 1). Examples of information that may be included in importance metrics data238are EBITDA for an area of the network; information about influencers; information about financial or economic factors such as profitability, churn, customer experience; and information about early adopters. Other data and data types may be included in the importance metrics data238as well.

Forecasting data240stored in the integrated data module222may include information about traffic forecasts by device type and technology at multiple levels of granularity. For example, the forecasting data240may include information about the number of 5G devices expected to become active on a network or in a region or forecasting selection of new devices among a set of early adopter subscribers of new technology. In another example, the forecasting data240may include information about internet of things (IoT) devices predicted to become active. The forecasting data240may further include information such as a spectrum exhaust forecast, or when a network or network portion no longer has sufficient spectrum to handle expected traffic, and the like. Other data and data types may be included in the forecasting data240as well.

The integrated data module222includes a data catalog242. The data catalog242contains information about the location of data sources and format, and stores the information needed to implement access and security controls. Other data and data types may be included in the data catalog as well.

The data collector224collects and moves data as requested by a given application of the architecture220or the orchestrator237(FIG. 2C). The data collector224in some embodiments all extract, translate and load (ETL) functions that may be part of accessing the integrated data store222. Open application programming interfaces (APIs) may be used to extract data for import to downstream design engines or other data processing destinations. The APIs may also provide a common interface for adding or updating data to the architecture220.

FIG. 2Eis a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a platform microservices module226for use in the architecture ofFIG. 2Cin accordance with various aspects described herein. The platform microservices module226in some embodiments includes generic, non-planning-specific microservices that can be utilized to operate the architecture220. These may include but are not limited to an importance metrics module246, an artificial intelligence module248, a predictive analytics module250, a KCI/KPI composer module252and an optimization module254. Other modules and functions may be included as well in alternative embodiments. In the illustrated embodiments, such modules include an aggregator-disaggregator module256, an image processing module258, a network KPI predictor module260, a network KPI/KCI module262and data processing tools262.

The importance metrics module246in some embodiments may include services or microservices that aggregate or disaggregate all raw importance metric data to a desired location level metric. The desired location level may refer to a geographic location of interest. For example, the desired location level could be at a tower level such as a cellular network tower, a small cell level corresponding to a cellular small cell, a bin-level, corresponding to a region of specific size, such as 50 m×50 m. In other examples, the desired location level could include other geographical levels such as postal code, city, etc.

The artificial intelligence module248in some embodiments may include services or microservices for data enrichment of data like geospatial data. This may include, for example, data enrichment of information about telephone poles, buildings and their attributes.

The predictive analytics module250in some embodiments may include services or micro services that predict network KPIs given the perturbations to the underlying data. In one example, the predictive analytics module250may predict throughput impact based on whether or not a carrier is added to the communication network, or based on small cell deployment etc. Other examples are possible, as well.

The KCI/KPI composer module252in some embodiments may provide services or microservices for converting raw network measurements to key performance indicators (KPI) or key capacity indicators (KCI) in a consistent manner.

The optimization module254in some embodiments may include optimization services or microservices that help run some optimization or improvement functions in a reliable and efficient manner. In the context of the subject disclosure, optimization may have the widest range of meanings. An aspect of the disclosure may be optimized against one or more aspects. Multiple aspects may be mutually optimized. The result of some optimizations may be that no aspect, on its own, is strictly optimal, but a group of two or more mutually optimized aspects or factors may be optimal as a group while individual aspects may be suboptimal. Optimization includes consideration of all pertinent factors, but objective measures and subjective considerations.

The aggregator microservices module256may in some embodiments include services or microservices that aggregate or disaggregate data collected about distributed devices, systems or processes. The image processing service module258may in some embodiments provide services or microservices for processing image data collected from various sources for use by a user. The network KPI predictor module260may in some embodiments provide services and microservices for predicting values of key performance indicators (KPIs) of one or more networks. The network KPI/KCI module262may in some embodiments provide services or microservices for processing key performance indicator (KPI) and key control indicator (KCI) information for one or more networks. The data processing tools262may in some embodiments provide services or microservices for processing data by and in conjunction with the other modules of the microservices module256. Example of the data processing tools262may include the CPLEX optimizer and the MiniZinc constraint modelling language. Other suitable tools may be added or accessible as well.

The modules shown inFIG. 2Eare intended to be exemplary only. In other embodiments, different modules providing different functions and capabilities may be provided. The modules forming the microservices module256may be implemented in hardware such as a processor system including a processor and a memory for storing data and instructions, software, or any suitable combination of these.

FIG. 2Fis a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of an application services module228for use in the architecture ofFIG. 2Cin accordance with various aspects described herein. The application services module228includes applications that cooperate to implement functions such as optimization of a target goal. One example of target goal optimization is return on investment (ROI) optimization. Another example of target goal optimization is network capacity optimization over multiple communication networks. The application services module228in the embodiment ofFIG. 2Fincludes a traffic forecast module266, a site exhaust forecasting module267, a location qualification module268, a focus zone module269.

The traffic forecast module266in some embodiments may provide granular short-term and long-term traffic forecasts as needed for various purposes required by the architecture220ofFIG. 2C. The traffic forecast module266may provide forecasts as forecast output270. The traffic forecast module266may provide forecasts according to any of a wide range of classes or categories of information. Examples of such classes or categories include a specified device technology, a device type and capability, a network technology, a subscriber data plan, a Quality of Service Class Identifier, a line of business and core platform. The traffic forecast module266may provide forecasts at market level, at submarket level, and site face level. One exemplary approach is to have a general forecast solution that serves the rapidly evolving access and core architecture. More specific forecasts can be developed from the general forecast. These forecasts produced by the traffic forecast module266can be provided as inputs to the other application services of the application services module and may call upon statistical analysis and data integration, validation, and cleansing, that allows bridging between different data sources and inputs from marketing sources of information and engineering sources of information. The integrated forecast service provided by the traffic forecast module266can allow for modeling high-level changes in traffic such as changes in data plans, efficiency controls, handset mix. For example, changes in customer data plans can cause an increase in relative traffic volume if customers will be able to use more data at a reduced cost and can cause a decrease in relative traffic volume if customers will have increased cost for data usage. Similarly, a change in the handset mix operating on a communication network, the types and numbers and capabilities of active handsets used by consumers, may cause a relative change in traffic volume. If more customers will be downloading large content files such as video content, relative traffic will increase. If early adopters are inclined to buy handsets with video presentation capability, such traffic will begin to increase as the early adopters acquire their handsets and become active on the network. Similarly, low-level location specific offers such Wireless Internet or rollouts to specific regions, may cause a relative increase in traffic volume in a particular network. Additionally, the large amount of historical data collected as input to forecasting can also support the focus zone module269through the integrated data layer222(FIG. 2D).

The site exhaust forecasting module267in some embodiments may provide short and long-term site exhaust forecasts as needed for various purposes as identified by the traffic forecast module266. Based on the proposed tuning in the traffic forecasting module266, the site exhaust forecast module267appropriately forecasts the sites that will reach spectrum exhaust by what month or year or other time period. The site exhaust forecasting module267provides output271as information about carrier additions and other information.

The location qualification module268in some embodiments may create enrichment data for potential build locations such as streetlamps or utility poles. Enrichment data may include any suitable or useful information about a potential build location, including geographic or geospatial information pertaining to the location, a textual or other description of the location and its surroundings, an image or other visual or graphic information, and any other information or attributes that may be pertinent to a planner or the planning operation. The enrichment data may include information about variable or modifiable aspects of the location or a feature of the location. The enrichment data may include information about the radio environment for radio and other communications in the region of the location, such as existing communication network infrastructure, known radio interference sources or dead zones, competitive information, etc. In some embodiments, the location qualification module268may employ machine learning to derive location attributes for the potential build locations such as height, material, or decorative features. The location qualification module268may then combine information about the physical characteristics of the build location with other relevant information such as fiber proximity to the build location, line of sight between potential antenna locations and potential future subscribers, and building characteristics at the build location, to create a respective enrichment data for each respective potential build location. The enrichment data may be organized in any suitable manner, such as a data table, a vector or a file of data organized according to a predetermined format. The predetermined data format may be selected or specified to simplify collection of the data forming the enrichment data, storage of that data, communication of that data to other components of the platform architecture220and processing by such other components. This may reduce storage space required for the data or may speed processing and communication of the data. The enrichment data is used as input to the focus zone module269.

The location qualification module268in some embodiments may also contain radio propagation information for potential build locations that can be used to further refine the score of potential locations. The location qualification module268provides as output272information about candidate municipal poles, utility poles, etc. which may qualify as potential build locations for expansion or reconfiguration of a communication network.

The focus zone module269in some embodiments may be used in conjunction with Centralized-Radio Access Network (CRAN) and millimeter wave (mm Wave) network deployments to identify areas that define the most desirable places to upgrade or build based on factors such as traffic demand, RF propagation, interference pattern, transport cost, pole or street furniture availability, as well as competitive or revenue data. Other factors may be used by the focus zone module269.

In some embodiments, the focus zone module269retrieves data from the integrated data layer222(FIG. 2D) and combines the retrieved data through a series of optimization functions to identify the most valuable zones for investment. Zones under consideration may be defined as geographical regions, neighborhoods, networks, sub-networks, etc. In some embodiments, any suitable optimization function or model may be used by the focus zone module269. Further in some embodiments, any suitable factor or target goal may be optimized. Example factors include technological factors such as network throughput, forecasted change in traffic, RF propagation, interference pattern, transport cost, pole/street furniture availability, competitive or customer experience metrics. etc. An advanced mathematical model may be used to consider any suitable input data to produce focus zones that address network capacity needs and maximize the return on investment, in one exemplary embodiment. Output information273from the focus zone module269may include information about network performance such as hot spots of relatively high traffic volume, coverage holes where traffic exists but coverage is poor, and new opportunity areas where traffic may grow in the future. The output information273from the focus zone module269in some embodiments is provided to the integrated planning prioritization module230(FIG. 2C) for incorporation into optimal technology selection.

It is noted that, as used herein, optimization, including optimal technology selection, may not result in a strictly optimal result or choice or selection. In some instances, multiple factors are being weighed or mutually optimized. In such a case, the result may be suboptimal as regards one or more or all factors, but when considered across the group of factors, the result may be optimal. Optimization includes both objective, measurable factors as well as subjective factors.

FIG. 2Gis a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of an integrated planning prioritization module230for use in the architecture ofFIG. 2Cin accordance with various aspects described herein. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2G, the integrated planning prioritization module230includes a plurality of build optimization functions, including an “optimize on importance metrics” function274, an “optimize on total build cost across all technologies” function275, an “optimize on total build cost across specified technology groups” function276, an “optimize on network KPIs” option277and an “optimize for competitive advantage” function296. Other build optimization functions may be specified in other embodiments, as well, and the noted options may be modified or combined in any suitable manner to accomplish particular goals of a user or an operator of a communication network. The “optimize on importance metrics” function274, the “optimize on total build cost across all technologies” function275, the “optimize on total build cost across specified technology groups” function276, the “optimize on network KPIs” option277and the “optimize for competitive advantage” function278may be implemented in hardware such as a processor system including a processor and a memory for storing data and instructions, software, or any suitable combination of these. In some embodiments, a user may access scenario creator module235(FIG. 2C) to specify or select a build optimization function to be implanted or tested by the integrated planning prioritization module230.

In some embodiments, the integrated planning prioritization module230calculates target goal values such as one or more return on investment values (ROIs) by comparing deployment costs associated with each of the technology options with coverage requirements and total revenue potential. The technology options in some exemplary embodiments may involve 5G cellular, mmWave, fiber, etc. The integrated planning prioritization module230uses input from the focus zone module269(FIG. 2F) and data from the integrated data layer222(FIG. 2D) to determine an optimal investment choice, in terms of technology, location and time. The integrated planning prioritization module230in some exemplary embodiments simultaneously considers multiple technologies, such as radio access network (RAN), Disaggregated RAN which includes more modular components with defined interfaces for communication between components, Fixed Wireless networks, Centralized-Radio Access Networks (CRAN), 5G mmWave, Fiber, etc. The integrated planning prioritization module230in some embodiments selects the optimal technology, while accounting for interactions among technologies. Build decisions are made considering a rich set of criteria specified using the scenario creator module235(FIG. 2C). The criteria for evaluating and making build decisions include any suitable technology, business or other criteria, such as business mandates, strategic initiatives, target performance KPIs, importance metrics, competitive metrics and investment costs. The integrated planning prioritization module230takes input from some or all layers including importance metric data such as, for example, speed tests, competitive footprint, return on investment (ROI), churn, influencers, subscribers who are early adopters, subscribers who have other particular interests such as an interest in new product offers or newly developed technology or devices, or subscribers who own or operate an enterprise such as a small business or who are gamers, cross product lift and other information. The integrated planning prioritization module230may further take inputs from layers or factors such as build costs, deployment and build timing for various deployment alternatives. The integrated planning prioritization module230may further consider intelligent placement candidates that are evaluated and given a score using attributes of the physical environment, such as proximity to fiber, pole height, attributes and composition, line of sight, proximity to buildings, etc. The integrated planning prioritization module230operates with consistent, accurate, enriched, geo-spatially tagged and de-duped physical environment data such as geospatial data234.

Based on the business question or technological question to be answered, for example as specified by a user accessing scenario creator module235, the integrated planning prioritization module230calls different optimization functions or chains multiple optimization functions together to determine one or more target goal values. In some embodiments, the target goal values may be an optimization of a value or function related to network operation or cost or build out. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2G, the integrated planning prioritization module230calls one or more optimization functions from among the “optimize on importance metrics” function274, the “optimize on total build cost across all technologies” function275, the “optimize on total build cost across specified technology groups” function276, the “optimize on network KPIs” option277and the “optimize for competitive advantage” function278. The objective of optimization functions can be financial centric (such as ROI, capital spend and net return rate) or network centric (such as capacity, coverage, quality and performance metric). Network metrics may be linked to financial metrics via new revenue opportunities when coverage is extended or when network quality is improved. Network metrics are linked to financial metrics via lost revenue due to churn when network quality deteriorates, for example. Most business requirements, technology-specific rules and network performance and quality needs can be formulated as constraints. With the different combinations of objective function and associated constraints, the integrated planning prioritization module230can be utilized in embodiments to find optimal or near-optimal answers to a wide variety of network investment problems.

Two such examples are presented below. Other examples may be readily apparent. Parameters and variables may be defined first.

m is the month index over depreciation period from 1 to M;

c is the cell site index from 1 to C;

C_mandateis the list of sites that are required for technology update (such as carrier add);

j is the technology option index from 1 to J;

cap(c, j) is the amount of capital required to enable technology option j at cell site c;

cap_ca(c) is the amount of capital required for carrier add at cell site c;

t(c, j, m) is the binary decision variable to indicate if technology j is enabled

at cell site c starting from month m. Once it is enabled, this technology remains active for all remaining months;

tca(c,m)is the binary variable to indicate if carrier add should be performed at site c in month m;

R(c, m) is net revenue for cell site c in month m. It is defined as
R(c,m)=R(c,m−1)−Rchurn(c,m)+Rnew(c,m)
where
R(c,m−1)
is the revenue from the previous month. Note R(c, 0) is known based on billing;
Rchurn(c, m) is the revenue loss due to churn for cell c in month m. It is calculated as

Rchurn⁡(c,m)=∑i=1I⁢⁢p⁡(i,si⁡(i,m))*α⁡(i,c)*v⁡(i,m)
where i is the index of existing customer from 1 to I;
(i, si(i, m)) is the probability of churn for customer i in month m based on its usage weighted average composite network quality score si(i, m) in this month. This probability is a key input.

where sc(c,m) is the composite network quality score for cell site c in month m. It is modeled based on traffic volume, all enabled technologies in month m in cell site c. Note that calculation of sc(c,m) is the most difficult part of the problem. It is highly nonlinear and it is also highly dynamic based on what technologies are enabled for a given site in a given month. Moreover, sc(c,m) cannot be calculated for each site individually. They need to be modeled for a large cluster to capture the mutual interference among different sites.

α(i,c) is the fraction of usage for customer i at cell site c. Note that

for each i.

v(i,m) is the value of customer i in month m. It can be defined as the monthly billing revenue with added monetary value based on social influence and other attributes.

Rnew(c,m) is the new revenue that can be generated at cell site c in month m, given the composite network quality score sc(c,m). It must be modeled beforehand and provided as an input. Both of new revenue and churn are functionally dependent on the composite network quality score (sc(c,m),si(i,m) respectively).

opex(c,m) is the operation cost for cell site c in month m.

Optimize Macrosite Carrier Adds Based on a Throughput Exhaust Metric

Objective: maximize total revenue gain (or minimize total revenue loss)

∑m=1M⁢⁢∑c=1C⁢⁢cap_ca⁢(c)*t_ca⁢(c,m)B. List of cell sites where carrier adds must be performed (mandates)

2. Key inputs:Revenue gain for each site as a function of network quality scoreRevenue loss due to churn for each site as a function of network quality scoreNetwork quality score for each site with and without the carrier addCost of carrier add for each site

Determine the Optimal Technology Deployment Options to Maximize Total Net Return on Investment

Objective: maximize total net return on investment

2 Key inputs:Cost of each technology optionnetwork quality score for each site under each technology option combinationRevenue gain for each site as a function of network quality scoreRevenue loss due to churn for each site as a function of network quality score

The reporting and visualization module232(FIG. 2C) provides system and method for reporting results of optimization functions of the integrated planning prioritization module230. Graphical visualization, augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR), or any suitable combination of these, may be used in some embodiments to visually interact with the data. The integrated data module222a wide variety of three dimensional (3D) data and high-resolution imagery that can be interactively explored using AR and VR, alone or in combination, or with other visualization techniques. This visualization capability allows planners to explore the environment near potential build locations, avoiding the need for costly site visits. Also, since the optimization scenarios may be multi-faceted, what-if data explorations are a key element of the platform architecture220. This visualization capability allows users to interactively visualize in the form of reports or 2D/3D maps the impact of various parameter settings.

FIG. 2Hillustrates an example, non-limiting embodiment of a sample visualization279produced by one example of the architecture ofFIG. 2Cin accordance with various aspects described herein. The sample visualization279shows buildings, foliage, physical assets and sample network information produced using inputs and collected data in accordance with the systems and procedures of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 2Iis a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a scenario creator module235for use in the architecture ofFIG. 2Cin accordance with various aspects described herein. The scenario creator module235in some embodiments may include a scenario objective module280, a forecast module281, a build options module296and a business priorities module283.

The scenario creator module235allows users to access the platform architecture220and model possible network configurations and specify one or more target goal values to be determined by the platform architecture220. The target goal value may represent an aspect of planning, configuring or reconfiguring one or more networks of the communications environment100(FIG. 1). The target goal value may be a financial goal, such as return on investment or profitability. Or the target goal value may be a technological goal, such as network capacity, throughput, or latency. Or the target goal may be a business goal such as expanding one or more networks and network services to a new geographic area or neighborhood, or expanding to a new customer group. The user may do this, for example, by creating various what-if scenarios in which one or more inputs are varied and/or network information is varied and/or financial information is varied and the effect of the variations is modelled by the platform architecture220.

In some embodiments, the scenario creator module235employs user-defined what-if interfaces to provide an easy-to-use capability to perform sensitivity analysis on the planning parameters. The interfaces could, for example, ask the user to:

1. Ask for the objective—what business question are we trying to ask. Some examples are:A. Given a budget, maximize the ROI and select appropriate technologiesB. Given financial constraints, optimize the network KPIsC. Given financial constraints, prioritize the network buildD. Given a budget maximize competitive advantageE. Given a budget maximize retention or growth

2. Select forecasting scenariosA. Current POR ForecastB. Make adjustments to forecast by changing device and traffic mix, tonnage etc., increase/decrease forecast by x %, and so on.

4. Specify business priorities and mandatesA. Strategic Initiatives,B. Business commitmentsC. Relative importance

These are just a few examples of a few what-if scenarios related to business or financial goals of the communications environment100that a planner can run using the scenario creator module235. Other scenarios are possible as well, including scenarios related to technological performance of one or more communication networks of the communication environment100ofFIG. 1.

Also, platform service configurations may be set by platform microservices and in some embodiments may be in the form of JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) configuration files and/or datastore configuration tables. The platform architecture220in some embodiments has the capability of doing real-time or near-real-time configuration changes via application programming interface (API) calls.

The orchestrator module237(FIG. 2C) in some embodiments may form a workflow engine that coordinates all the activities among various modules within the platform architecture220. Based on a given scenario being created in the scenario creator module235, the orchestrator module237pulls all necessary or appropriate data from the integrated data module222, initiates call to all needed microservices in the platform microservices module226, and calls in the necessary application services from the application services module228before providing the collected information to the integrated planning prioritization module230for obtaining overall optimal solution and final reporting and visualization.

FIG. 2Jdepicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordance with various aspects described herein. At step284, the method includes collecting and storing data about a communication environment such as the communication environment100ofFIG. 1. The communication environment may include one or more communication networks operated by a system operator. In some embodiments, respective communication networks of the one or more communication networks employ respective communication technologies for communication with remote user devices in the communication environment. For example, one communication network may employ 3G cellular technology, another communication network may employ LTE or 4G cellular and another network may employ 5G cellular technology. The collected data may include any suitable or available data of interest, such as environmental data, network data for the one or more communication networks, importance metrics data and forecasting data.

At step285, in some embodiments, the method includes providing traffic forecasts of communication traffic on the one or more communication networks. Traffic forecasts may be received from another source or collector for traffic information. Traffic forecasts may be developed based on existing information about subscriber types and numbers, handset device types and numbers, current network capacity and usage and other similar information.

At step286, the method in some embodiments may include creating attributes for potential build locations for equipment of the one or more communication networks. The potential build locations may be physical sites where equipment of an expanded, reconfigured or new communication network may be built out. In some embodiments, the attributes may be physical attributes of a potential build location. Physical attributes might be height or site lines of a utility pole suitable for mounting radio equipment, or information about proximity of the potential build location to a fiber optic network. The attributes may include data about any information pertinent to communication network, the potential build locations, the environment at the potential build location, etc. Further, the attributes may be created as data stored in a particular predetermined format for communication and processing among networked data processing equipment.

At step287, the method in some embodiments may include identifying desirable build locations among the potential build locations of the one or more communication networks. In some embodiments, the identification may be based on the traffic forecasts of communication traffic and the importance layers for the potential build locations.

At step288, the method includes receiving user input defining planning parameters for the communication environment. The user input may be received from a user interface or other source. The user input may be used for planning a new network or changes to an existing network. The user input may be data and other information defining forecast scenarios for expansion, development or reconfiguration of one or more communication networks. The information may, in some examples, define changes to device and traffic mix and new services proposed for a communication network. In some embodiments, a user interface may invite the user to define an objective, for example a business question facing the operator of the network, such as given a budget, maximize the return on investment in the project and select appropriate communication technologies for the new or reconfigured network. Another possible example might be a technological objective, such as maximizing throughput on the new or reconfigured network, or maximizing capacity on the new or reconfigured network. Another possible example might be, given a budget, maximize retention of current subscribers or growth of new subscribers. Other examples, as described in the subject disclosure or as may be suitable, can be readily substituted.

In other examples, the user interface may invite the user to select a forecasting scenario. One example scenario might be, make adjustments to a forecast by changing device and traffic mix, tonnage, etc. Other examples, as described in the subject disclosure or as may be suitable, can be readily substituted.

In other examples, the user interface may invite the user to select build options, such as carrier additions, building new sites for fixed radio equipment, developing new technologies such as cloud radio access network (CRAN) or 5G cellular. Other examples, as described in the subject disclosure or as may be suitable, can be readily substituted.

In other examples, the user interface may invite the user to specify business priorities and mandates for the planning project. Some examples might include strategic initiatives and business commitments by the operator of the communication network, and the relative importance of the project. Other examples, as described in the subject disclosure or as may be suitable, can be readily substituted.

At step289, the method in some embodiments includes determining respective target goal values for respective build options for the one or more communication networks. In some embodiments, the determination may be based on the planning parameters for the communication environment, the identified desirable build locations and the traffic forecasts of communication traffic. Target goal values may be any values to be optimized or maximized or minimized for a desired technological factor or business factor. For example, it may be desirable to maximize communication capacity on the communication network so that a maximum number of subscribers can be accommodated. Determining respective target goal values in such an example will involve processing the inputs to select a network configuration and technology that satisfies that goal. Another target goal value may be return on investment, where the operator of the communication network is investing assets in building out the network and desires to maximize the return on that investment, measured financially or technologically.

At step290, the method in some embodiments may include determining if the planning process should be revised. In some embodiments, the method implements what-if analysis in which a user can test to see the effect of a specified modification to one or more of the inputs. The modification might be a change to communication technology, such as implementing a CRAN network, or a change to the subscribers such as providing a new type of handset to early adopters of a new technology or to other groups of subscribers with one or more particular interests, or expansion of the network to a new neighborhood or geographical area. Any suitable modification of interest in planning the network may be accommodated.

If the plan should be revised, based on user input or other information, in some embodiments, control returns to step288to receive additional input or otherwise continue processing. If not, control proceeds to step291in some embodiments. At step291, for example procedures to build out a communication network based on the plan developed by the process ofFIG. 2Jmay be undertaken. Building out the network may include acquiring equipment, installing the equipment, activating a radio network, acquiring real estate and spectrum, financing the project, and any other suitable steps.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a block diagram300is shown illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular a virtualized communication network is presented that can be used to implement some or all of the subsystems and functions of communication environment100, the subsystems and functions of system200, and method230presented inFIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3. For example, virtualized communication network300can facilitate in whole or in part method, device and computer readable medium for communication network planning. The virtualized communication network300may be the subject of a plan to develop or reconfigure the virtualized communication network by an operator thereof.

Turning now toFIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram of a computing environment in accordance with various aspects described herein. In order to provide additional context for various embodiments of the embodiments described herein,FIG. 4and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment400in which the various embodiments of the subject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computing environment400can be used in the implementation of network elements150,152,154,156, access terminal112, base station or access point122, switching device132, media terminal142, and/or VNEs330,332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented via computer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers, and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software. For example, computing environment400can facilitate in whole or in part a method, a device and a computer readable medium suitable for planning the development, configuration, expansion or reconfiguration of a communication network such as one of the communication networks in the communication environment100ofFIG. 1. For example, one or more of the features of the platform architecture220ofFIG. 2Cmay be facilitated by the computing environment400.

Turning now toFIG. 6, an illustrative embodiment of a communication device600is shown. The communication device600can serve as an illustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals114, mobile devices124, vehicle126, display devices144or other client devices for communication via either communications network125. For example, communication device600can facilitate in whole or in part a method, device and computer readable medium for planning a communication network in the communication environment100ofFIG. 1. The communication device600may in some examples be a handset or mobile device operating on one or more of the communication networks of the communication environment100ofFIG. 1.