Title of Invention	DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING AND MONITORING ANTENNA SYSTEM OF A BASE STATION IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Abstract	An antenna system measurer for a repeater and a base station measures powers of a progressive wave and a reflected wave of a transmit/receive antenna, and transmits measured results to a monitoring server in a radio data format such as an SMS message. The monitoring server receives the radio data, identifies a repeater and a base station from sender information of the radio data, and calculates a VSWR based on the measured values. The VSWR is modified based on characteristics of the base station such as length and substance of feeders from a base station identifier corresponding to the sender information. According to the present invention, the remote antenna system is monitored in real-time without visits or installation fees, and a plurality of repeaters and base stations is managed in a combined manner.

Title of Invention

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING AND MONITORING ANTENNA SYSTEM OF A BASE STATION IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

Abstract

An antenna system measurer for a repeater and a base station measures powers of a progressive wave and a reflected wave of a transmit/receive antenna, and transmits measured results to a monitoring server in a radio data format such as an SMS message. The monitoring server receives the radio data, identifies a repeater and a base station from sender information of the radio data, and calculates a VSWR based on the measured values. The VSWR is modified based on characteristics of the base station such as length and substance of feeders from a base station identifier corresponding to the sender information. According to the present invention, the remote antenna system is monitored in real-time without visits or installation fees, and a plurality of repeaters and base stations is managed in a combined manner.

Full Text	FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10, rule 13) "DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY MEASURING AND MONITORING ANTENNA SYSTEM USING MOBILE TERMINAL" KTFreetel CO., LTD. a Korean Corporation of 7-18, Sincheon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul 138-240, Korea. The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. WO 2065/069664 PCT/KK2005/000129 Description DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY MEASURING AND MONITORING ANTENNA SYSTEM USING MOBILE TERMINAL Technical Field [1] The present invention relates to a device and method for remotely measuring and monitoring an antenna system of a repeater or a base station. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for measuring and monitoring the antenna of a remote repeater or base station without directly testing the antenna. Background Art [2] A base station or a repeater has an antenna for transmission and reception, and one test point for measuring the performance of the antenna is me voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). [3] The VSWR represents a voltage ratio measured from an adjacent node and amplitude within a cable or a waveguide having a standing wave, or the VSWR denotes the ratio of maximum to minimum voltage in a standbig wave pattern in a transmission line. [4] For example, a progressive wave is divided into a progressive wave and a reflected wave on two media with two different lands of impedance because of impedance mismatch, and the difference between the two waves represents the VSWR which is defined in Math Figure 1 when the reflection coefficient is given to be p. [5] MathFigure 1 [6] That is, a VSWR of 1 represents that line impedance and end impedance are completely matched, and incident waves are passed through the media, and the VSWR is an important factor for checking the antenna operation status since the greater the VSWR becomes the more incident waves are reflected therefrom. [7] FIG. 1 shows a conventional VSWR measuring system. [8] As shown, a base station 10 has a diversity antenna for receiving and identifying WO 2msm»664 PCT/KR2O05/0OO129 signals which are transmitted through various spatial and temporal paths of radio frequency (RF) propagation between a base station and an antenna, and improving received characteristics. The base station 10 includes a transmission and receiving circuit 11, a diversity receiving circuit 16, a first antenna IS, and a second antenna 19. The first antenna 15 is used to transmit and receive signals and the second antenna 19 is used to receive signals. For ease of description, the first antenna 15 is established to be a transmit antenna and the second antenna 19 is established to be a receive antenna. A process for measuring the respective transmission and receiving VSWRs will now be described. [9] A transmitter (not illustrated) of the transmission and receiving circuit 11 outputs transmission signals to the first antenna 15 through a high power amplifier 13, and a receiver (not illustrated) thereof receives signals through a low noise amplifier 14. A doplexer 12 connects a transmission circuit and a receiving circuit so that die first antenna 15 may be used for transmitting and receiving signals. [10] A receiving circuit 16 includes a band-pass filter 18 for selecting a desired channel from the RF signals received from the second antenna, and a low noise amplifier 17. [11] A conventional VSWR mesurer 40, and directional couplers 21and 22. The directional 30, a received VS WR measurer 40, and directional couplers 21 and 22. The directional couplers 21 and 22 are installed in the first antenna 15 and the second antenna 19 and respectively output a signal corresponding to one direction to a port [12] Therefore, a signal transmitted to the first antenna by the transmission circuit 11 is transmitted to the transmitted VSWR measurer 30 through a path of (b), and a power signal which is not output to the first antenna but is reflected is transmitted to the transmitted VSWR measurer 30 through a path of (a). Therefore, the VSWR of the transmit antenna is calculated by Math Figure 1 by using power signals of die incident wave and the reflected wave. [13] The received VSWR measurer 40 includes a power signal receiver 41 and a power signal output unit 42. A test signal generated by the power signal output unit 42 is passed through a path of (d) having passed through the directional coupler 22 to the power signal receiver 41. A test signal generated by the received VSWR measurer 40 and reflected on the second antenna 19 is transmitted to the power signal receiver 41 through a path of (c). The power signal receiver 41 receives the power signals provided through the paths of (d) and (c), and a processor in the received VSWR measurer 40 uses the power signals to calculate a received VSWR. [14] As described, the prior art uses an additional VSWR measurer to obtain signal in- WO2Q05/069664 PCT/KR2S05MMO129 formation on the progressive wave and the reflected wave used for the VSWR. Fbwever, it is needed to consider length and substance of a repeater feeder of a base station and a level of an output signal in order to produce an accurate VSWR. Also, it is inevitable that VSWRs must be measured multiple times since a level of the output signal is steeply varied depending on a call state while the base station provides a service. Hence, it is required for the VSWR measurer to include an additional memory and a central processing unit for measuring the VSWR multiple times and amending the same aeon-ding to characteristics of me base stations. [15] Further, it is required for a user to visit each base station to be measured and test the same when the conventional VSWR measurer is used. In addition, a large amount of cost is generated for installing a VSWR measurer in each base station, integrated management in consideration of the characteristics of the base station is difficult, and it is impossible to determine the antenna's status in real-time. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem [161 It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a system and method for reducing efforts and maintenance fees caused by undesired antenna tests. [17] It is another advantage of the present invention to remotely monitoring antenna systems of a base station and a repeater and managing the same in a combined manner. Technical Solution [18] In one aspect of the present invention, an antenna system monitor of a base station comprises: a radio communication module for receiving radio data including a first measurement value and a second measurement value of the antenna of the base station; a message parser for parsing the radio data to parse a base station identifier and measurement information; a base station information database for storing identifiers of a base station to be monitored, and status information of the base stations; a base station monitor for using the first and second measurement values to calculate factors of the base stations; and a measured result modifier for using status information of the base station information database corresponding to the base station identifier and modifying the calculated factors. [19] The first measurement value is a power of a progressive wave and the second measurement value is a power of a reflected wave. [20] In another aspect of the present invention, an antenna system measurer comprises: a WO 2005/069664 PCT/KR2005/000129 first measurer for measuring a first measurement value of the antenna system; a second measurer for measuring a second measurement value of the antenna system; a radio data module for transmitting the first measurement value and the second measurement value in a radio data format; and a controller for controlling a number of measurement times of the first measurement value and the second measurement value and radio data transmission. [21] The first measurement value is a power of a progressive wave, and the second measurement value is a power of a reflected wave. [22] Brief Description of the Drawings [23] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of die specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention: [24] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a conventional VSWR measuring system; [25] FIG. 2 shows a system for remotely measuring and monitoring an antenna system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [26] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an antenna system measurer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [27] HG. 4 shows a block diagram of a monitoring server according to a embodiment of the present invention embodiment of the present invention; [28] FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a radio data message including antenna system in-formation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention ; [29] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of ameasui^resuUmaifier240accordingtoa preferred embodiment of the present invention; and [30] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method for measuring and monitoring an antenna system of a base station according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [31] In the following detailed description, only the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by the inventor(s) of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive. To clarify die present invention, parts winch are not described in me specification WO 2005/069664 PCT/KR20©5/Ofl which same descriptions are provided have the same reference numerals. [32] A device and method for remotely measuring an antenna system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. [33] FIG. 2 shows a system for remotely measuring and monitoring an antenna system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [34] The system includes a plurality of base stations and repeaters 100a, 100b, and 100c, and a monitoring server 200 for monitoring antenna systems of the base stations and repeaters. [35] The base stations and repeaters 100a, 100b, and 100c having antenna systems include directional couplers, and measure a first power signal and a second power signal corresponding to a progressive wave and a reflected wave. The measured first power signal and second power signal are transmitted to the monitoring server 200 by a radio data module including a short message service (SMS) module installed in a measurer of each base station. Formats of the SMS and packet type radio data follow general mobile stations' data communication methods. [36] The radio data module advantageously allows usage of radio resources and facilities used by a mobile communication service provider and transmission of sufficient information (e.g, 80 bytes in the SMS case) with a lesser cost Accordingly, antenna measurers 110a, 110b, 110c measure the first power signal and second power signal and easily transmit the measured values in a radio data format to the monitoring server, and the antenna system measurers 110a, 110b, 110c are simplified compared to me prior art [37] The measured first power signal and second power signal transmitted by radio data through the mobile communication network are provided to a radio data receiver 210 of the monitoring server 200 including a base station information database 230 for classifying and storing information on the base stations and repeaters controlled by the monitoring server 200. [38] A base station monitor 220 receives detailed information on the antenna system of the base station from the base station information database 230, and uses the measured first power signal and second power signal to calculate a VSWR. [39] The measured result modifier 240 uses deviation between the first power signal and second power signal transmitted by the radio data or a modification value stored in the base station information database 230 and modifies the calculated VSWR. [40] Hence, the antenna systems of remote scattered base stations are efficiently managed with considerably less radio resources, and are monitored in real-time in con- WO 2905/069664 PCT/KR2005/MW129 sideration of facilities of the base stations. [41 ] A detailed configuration of respective components of FIG. 2 will now be described. [42] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an antenna system measurer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [43] An antenna system measurer 110 includes a first measurer 111 for measuring values of progressive waves of the transmit antenna and die receive antenna, a second measurer 112 for measuring values of reflected waves of the antennas, a radio data module 113, a measurement controller 114, an antenna 115, and a frequency converter 116. In this instance, the first measurer 111 or the second measurer 112 may also be substituted for the antenna 115 depending on the purpose of usage. [44] The measurement controller 114 controls the first measurer HI and the second measurer 112 to measure power signals of die progressive wave and die reflected wave of antennas of the base station and the repeater for a predetermined time frame and for a predetermined number of times. The measured first power signal and second power signal are transmitted in the radio data format to die monitoring server through die radio data module which is used in die general mobile station to transmit radio data. The radio data include identifiers of the base station and the repeaters, and are used to transmit measured results executed a predetermined number of times or transmit a measured result for each measurement process. [45] The antenna system measurer according to me embodiment does not calculate me VSWR and modify the measured values, but measures power signals of the progressive wave and die reflected wave and transmits the power signals dirough a radio data transmission method. [46] In die case of measuring a transmitted VSWR, die measurement controller 114 controls die frequency converter 116 to be not operated and measures die power signals of die progressive wave and die reflected wave and transmits the same according to a radio data transmission method. [47] In die case of measuring a received VSWR, when receiving a measurement in- struction from the monitoring server, me radio data module 113 uses no additional signal generator but uses an output of die radio data module to transmit a predetermined output (e.g, die frequency range between 1,740 and 1,760MHz) to the receive antenna. Part of the output is not radiated from die receive antenna but is returned thereto, and die same is measured by the second measurer 112. [48] Since a transmitted frequency bandwidth and a received frequency bandwidth are different in die case of die radio data module used for a mobile station, die measured WO 2005/069664 FCT/KR2005/00012 value of the reflected wave is up-converted into a received frequency bandwidth (e.&, ranging between 1,840 and 1,860MHz) of the radio data module by the frequency converter 116 which is controlled by the controller 114 according to instructions by die monitoring server. The output of the radio data module 113 and the second measured value which is converted into the frequency bandwidth and is readable by the radio data module 113 are transmitted to the monitoring server in the radio data format such as an SMS. [49] Therefore, no additional signal generator for measuring the received VSWR is used, the output of the radio data module 113 is used to generate test signals, the test signals are converted into signals of a predetermined frequency bandwidth to be received by the radio data module, and the converted signals are reported to the monitoring server. [50] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a monitoring server according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [51] As shown, the monitoring server 200 includes a radio data receiver 210, a base station monitor 220, a base station information database 230, and a measured result mo£fier240. [52] The radio data recover 210 includes a radio communication module 211 for receiving radio data messages, and a message parser 212. The message parser 212 parses radio data messages to identify transmission base stations and separate the messages into a measurement time, frame, a first measurement value and a second measurement value, and provides separated data to the base station information database 230, the base station monitor 220, and the measured result modifier 240. The radio communication module wirelessly transmits measurement instructions to a predetermined base station. [53] The base station information database 230 stores information on modified m easurement values, VSWRs, and measured values transmitted by the message parser 212. [54] The base station monitor 220 includes a VSWR calculator 221, a data storage unit 222, a counter 223, and a final VSWR calculator 224. The base station monitor 220 can be configured to be coupled to or combined with a communication interface 250 for data communication with external devices, a display 260, and an alarm unit 270 for alarming problems of the base station. [55] The VSWR calculator 221 uses measured values of the progressive wave and the reflected wave provided by the message parser 212 to calculate the VSWR. The VSWR is then temporarily stored in the data storage unit 222. The VSWRs calculated WO 2005/069664 PCT/KR2M5ftaftI2» for a predefined number of tunes are transmitted to the final VSWR calculator 224 from the data storage unit 222 and a final VSWR is accordingly calculated. [56] The maximum and minimum data stored in the data storage unit 222 can be deleted by an instruction of the measured result modifier 240, and in addition, and data which are greater than a predetermined threshold value can be deleted, which are easily controlled by a skilled person in the art [57] The final VSWR calculator 224 assigns a weight to an average and a specific value (e.g, a value corresponding to the VSWR repeated for a predetermined number of times) of data from which the minimum or maximum value is removed by the measured result modifier 240, and outputs an average of the weighted values. [58] Further, the measured result modifier 240 refers to the base station information database 230 to search for modification factors in consideration of feeders and substance of the base station, and reports searched results to the final VSWR calculator 224 so that the final VSWR calculator 224 may increase or reduce the average or weighted average with a modification rate. [59] The VSWR calculated by the final VSWR calculator 224 is used to provide visual information to an operator through the alarm unit 270 when the VSWR is greater than a predetermined threshold a value. [60] Also, the final VSWR calculator 224 transmits the VSWR to the external devices through the communication interface 250 or stores the same in the database per data and time so that the VSWR may be utilized as data for managing the antenna systems of the base stations. [61 ] FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a radio data message including antenna information according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [62] In the embodiment, a radio data message is used to transmit the status of the base station in the SMS format of 80kbyte characters or numbers, and can also be encoded into digital binary information to be parsed by the message parser, and can then be transmitted. [63] As shown in FIG. 5, a radio data message can be transmitted by four fields. A field (Fl) includes a transmitter's CID (connection identifier) and a base station identifier. A field for the general SMS rule can be used for the field (Fl) and an additional field can also be allocated to the field (Fl). [64] A field (F2) includes a number of measurement times and a measurement order of the base station status. When the number of measurement times is recorded for the WO 2805/069664 FCT/KR2M5fl)0ftl2» calculation of VSWR caused by multiple measurements, and the measured values are allocated to a plurality of ratio data messages and are then transmitted, it is possible to display to what transmission order the transmitted radio data message corresponds. [65] A field (F3) and a field (F4) respectively store a first measured value and a second measured value corresponding to the reflected wave and the progressive wave. A plurality of first measured values and second measured values can be transmitted concurrently depending on the capacity of the values. [66] The fields Fl, F2, F3, and F4 are identifiable by field IDs, which are modifiable by a person skilled in the art in various manners. [67] The message parser searches for information stored in the fields, and controls the CUD and the base station identifier to be applied to the base station information database 230 and the measured result modifier 240. [68] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of measured result modifier 240 according to preferred embodiment of the present invention. [69] The measured result modifier 240 includes a maximum value eliminator 241, a superimposed value searcher 242,a weight processor 243, and an average calculator 244. 241, a superimposed value searcher 242, a weight processor 243, and an average calculator 244. [70] The rnaximum /minimum value eliminator 241 embodiment the maximum/minimum values of the values of the VSWRs stored in the data storage unit 222, and in adition, establishes a predetermined threshold value and eliminates values which are greater than the threshold value because great deviations of the VSWR can be generated depending on the call states while the base station or the repeater provides services. [71] The superimposed value searcher 242 searches a VSWR which is superimposed or has an error less than a predetermined value from among the stored VSWRs, and controls the weight processor 243 to assign a weight [72] The average calculator 244 calculates an average generated by providing the weight to measured data, and in addition, the average calculator 244 refers to the base station information database 230 to increase or reduce the calculated average with a predetermined rate and thereby modify the same. [73] The finally modified VSWR is transmitted to the final VSWR calculator 224 to be displayed to the operator or be used as management data. [74] The components of the measured result modifier 240 can be partially removed if needed, and can be installed in the base station monitor 220. [75] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method for measuring and monitoring an antenna system of a base station according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. WO 2005/069664 PCI7KR2MSAM0I29 [76) The base station or the repeater measures values of the progressive wave and the reflected wave of a transmit antenna or a receive antenna according to a predefined measurement rule. When the measurement process is started, the number of measurement times is initialized in Step S100. [77] In Steps SI 10 and S120, values of power signals of the progressive wave and the reflected wave are measured and stored by a measurer installed in the base station or the repeater. In Step S130, it is determined whether the measurement time has reached a predetermined number of measurement times, and when it is found to have reached the predetermined a number of measurement times , a radio data module is used to transmit measured results to the monitoring server in Step S150. [78] On receiving radio data, the monitoring server parses the message of the radio data to find sender information, the number of measurement times, the first measurement value, and the second measurement value in Steps S200 and S210. [79] The parsed sender information including a CBD and a base station ID is used, and information of the base station information database is used to identify me base station and determine whether a medication is to be executed in Steps S220 and S230. [80] When no modification is needed, the VSWR is calculated and output according to the conventional VSWR calculation method in Steps S240 and S290. [81] When a modification is required according tote station information database, a process for calculating me VSWR in consideration of the mottled measured result is performed. The VSWR is computed by using the first measurement value and the second measurement value in Step S2S0, and, the computed VSWR is sequentially stored in an internal buffer or a memory in Step S260. The stored VSWR values are modified with reference to modification information of the base station information database in Step S270. The above-noted VSWR modification can be discarded in the process of calculating the maximum/ minimum VSWR in order to consider the call state, or the VSWR can be increased or reduced in consideration of die characteristics of the base station, such as feeders and substance. [82] When the modification is finished, the finally calculated VSWR is output in Step S280 so as to be used for base station monitoring information. [83] Therefore, a measurer and a radio data module of a mobile station are installed in the remotely scattered base stations or repeaters to thus easily monitor the base stations by using the existing radio resources. [84] Also, since there is no need to apply each characteristic of the base station to the WO 2005/069664 PCT/KR20«SM6ftl29 measurer, the above-noted base station measurer's compatibility is improved and production cost is saved. Further, the monitoring server for calculating the VSWR defending on the measurement values can monitoring -the base stations in consideration of characteristics of die base stations in an integrated manner, and monitor the remote base stations in real-time without visiting the same. [85] The embedment has been described with main reference to the VSWR, and it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the embodiment can also be applied to a system for measuring and monitoring antenna estimation factors (e.g, a receive sensitivity) in consideration of modifications caused by a plurality of measurement values and the characteristics of base stations. [86] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. [87] According to the present invention, the antenna systems of base stations are measured which allows usage of the existing radio resources, it highly compatible, and allow measurer which allows usage of the existing radio resources, is highly compatible, and allows mass-production. Therefore, the present invention reduces conventional remote •visitation and installation fees, and efficiently measures and monitors the antenna systems of the base stations. [88] [89] WO 2005/069664 PCT/KR2W5TO69129 Claims [1 ] An antenna system monitor of a base station, comprising: a radio communication module for receiving radio data including a first measurement value and a second measurement value of the antenna system of the base station; a message parser for parsing the radio data to parse abase station identifier and measurement information; a base station information database for storing identifiers of base stations to be monitored, and status information of the base stations; a base station monitor for using the first and second measurement values to calculate factors of the base stations; and a measured result modifier for using status information of the base station in- formation database corresponding to the base station identifier and modifying the calculated factors. [2] The antenna system monitor of claim 1, wherein the first measurement value is a power of a progressive wave and me second measurement value is a power of a reflected wave. [3] The antenna system monitor of claim 2, wherein the factor of the base station includes a transmitted voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and a received VSWR. [4] The antenna system monitor of claim 3, wherein the radio data include a plurality of first measurement values and second measurement values, information on a number of measurement times, information on an order of measurements, and a caller number. [5] The antenna system monitor of claim 4, wherein the base station monitor comprises: a VSWR calculator for using the respective first measurement value and second measurement value to calculate a VSWR; a data storage unit for storing the calculated VSWR; a counter for controlling a calculation number of the VSWR; and a final VSWR calculator for outputling a final VSWR modified by the measured result modifier. [6] The antenna system monitor of claim 5, wherein the measured result modifier comprises: WO 2005/069664 PCT/KR2005/00W29 A maximum/minimum eliminator for eliminating a maximum value and a minimum value from among the stored VSWRs; and an average calculator for calculating an average of the VSWRs. [7] The antenna System monitor of claim 6, wherein the measured result modifier further comprises: a superimposed value searcher for searching for a superimposed value from among the VSWRs; and a weight assignor for assigning a weight to the maximum superimposed value according to a result provided by the superimposed value searcher. [8] The antenna, system monitor of claim 7, wherein the measured result maifier uses base station information stored in the base station information database to increase or decrease the calculated averaged VSWR to thus perform mod ification. [9] The antenna system monitor of one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a display for displaying the calculated final VSWR; a communication interface for transmitting the calculated final VSWR to an external device; and an alarm unit for generating an alarm signal when the final VSWR is greater than a predetrermined threshold value. [10] An antenna system measurer being installed in a plandity of base stations, measuring an antenna system of each base station, and reporting measured information to a monitoring server, the antenna system measurer comprising: a first measurer for measuring a first measurement value of the antenna system; a second measurer for measuring a second measurement value of the antenna system; a radio data module for transmitting the first measurement value and the second measurement value in a radio data format; and a controller for controlling a number of measurement times of the first measurement value and the second measurement value and radio data transmission. [11] The antenna system measurer of claim 10, wherein the first measurement value is a power of a progressive wave, and the second measurement value is a power of a reflected wave. [12] The antenna system measurer of claim 11, wherein the antenna measurer further comprises a frequency converter for converting a frequency of the second WO2005/0696*4 PCT/KJt20©5/0«H29 measurement value, the radio data module outputs a frequency of a predetermined power to a receive antenna when receiving an instruction for measuring the receive antenna, and the controller controls the frequency converter to convert a frequency of a power signal reflected from the receive antenna. [13] The antenna system measurer of one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the radio data include a short message service (SMS) message. [14] A method f or measuring and monitoring an antenna system of a base station in a mobile communication system, comprising: using an antenna system measurer installed in a base station antenna and measuring a power of a progressive wave and a power of a reflected wave; transmitting information including measurement values and measurement times of the progressive wave and the reflected wave and base station identifiers in a radio data format to a monitoring server; allowing the monitoring server to receive the radio data, parse the message, and search information on the corresponding base station from a base station information database; using the transmitted measurement values to calculate a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the base station; and modifying the calculated VSWR according to searched base station information when medication is needed. [15] The method of claim 14, wherein calculating the VSWR including : eliminating a maximum value and a minimum value from among the calculated VSWRs;and calculating an average of the VSWRs without the maximum value and the minimum value. [16] The method of claim 15, wherein calculating the VSWR includes: searching superimposed values from among the VSWRs; and assigning a weight to a VSWR corresponding to the superimposed value. 17) An antenna system monitor of a base station substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 18) A method for measuring and monitoring an antenna system of a base station in a mobile communication system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 18th day of July, 2006 ABSTRACT An antenna system measurer for a repeater and a base station measures powers of a progressive wave and a reflected wave of a transmit/receive antenna, and transmits measured results to a monitoring server in a radio data format such as an SMS message. The monitoring server receives the radio data, identifies a repeater and a base station from sender information of the radio data, and calculates a VSWR based on the measured values. The VSWR is modified based on characteristics of the base station such as length and substance of feeders from a base station identifier corresponding to the sender information. According to the present invention, the remote antenna system is monitored in real-time without visits or installation fees, and a plurality of repeaters and base stations is managed in a combined manner.

Full Text

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
"DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY MEASURING AND MONITORING ANTENNA SYSTEM USING MOBILE
TERMINAL"
KTFreetel CO., LTD. a Korean Corporation of 7-18, Sincheon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul 138-240, Korea.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

WO 2065/069664 PCT/KK2005/000129
Description
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY MEASURING AND MONITORING ANTENNA SYSTEM USING
MOBILE TERMINAL
Technical Field
[1] The present invention relates to a device and method for remotely measuring and
monitoring an antenna system of a repeater or a base station. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for measuring and monitoring the antenna of a remote repeater or base station without directly testing the antenna.
Background Art
[2] A base station or a repeater has an antenna for transmission and reception, and one
test point for measuring the performance of the antenna is me voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR).
[3] The VSWR represents a voltage ratio measured from an adjacent node and
amplitude within a cable or a waveguide having a standing wave, or the VSWR denotes the ratio of maximum to minimum voltage in a standbig wave pattern in a transmission line.
[4] For example, a progressive wave is divided into a progressive wave and a reflected
wave on two media with two different lands of impedance because of impedance mismatch, and the difference between the two waves represents the VSWR which is defined in Math Figure 1 when the reflection coefficient is given to be p.
[5] MathFigure 1

[6] That is, a VSWR of 1 represents that line impedance and end impedance are
completely matched, and incident waves are passed through the media, and the VSWR is an important factor for checking the antenna operation status since the greater the VSWR becomes the more incident waves are reflected therefrom.
[7] FIG. 1 shows a conventional VSWR measuring system.
[8] As shown, a base station 10 has a diversity antenna for receiving and identifying

WO 2msm»664 PCT/KR2O05/0OO129
signals which are transmitted through various spatial and temporal paths of radio frequency (RF) propagation between a base station and an antenna, and improving received characteristics. The base station 10 includes a transmission and receiving circuit 11, a diversity receiving circuit 16, a first antenna IS, and a second antenna 19. The first antenna 15 is used to transmit and receive signals and the second antenna 19 is used to receive signals. For ease of description, the first antenna 15 is established to be a transmit antenna and the second antenna 19 is established to be a receive antenna. A process for measuring the respective transmission and receiving VSWRs will now be described.
[9] A transmitter (not illustrated) of the transmission and receiving circuit 11 outputs
transmission signals to the first antenna 15 through a high power amplifier 13, and a receiver (not illustrated) thereof receives signals through a low noise amplifier 14. A doplexer 12 connects a transmission circuit and a receiving circuit so that die first antenna 15 may be used for transmitting and receiving signals.
[10] A receiving circuit 16 includes a band-pass filter 18 for selecting a desired channel
from the RF signals received from the second antenna, and a low noise amplifier 17.
[11] A conventional VSWR mesurer 40, and directional couplers 21and 22. The directional 30, a received VS WR measurer 40, and directional couplers 21 and 22. The directional couplers 21 and 22 are installed in the first antenna 15 and the second antenna 19 and respectively output a signal corresponding to one direction to a port
[12] Therefore, a signal transmitted to the first antenna by the transmission circuit 11 is
transmitted to the transmitted VSWR measurer 30 through a path of (b), and a power signal which is not output to the first antenna but is reflected is transmitted to the transmitted VSWR measurer 30 through a path of (a). Therefore, the VSWR of the transmit antenna is calculated by Math Figure 1 by using power signals of die incident wave and the reflected wave.
[13] The received VSWR measurer 40 includes a power signal receiver 41 and a power
signal output unit 42. A test signal generated by the power signal output unit 42 is passed through a path of (d) having passed through the directional coupler 22 to the power signal receiver 41. A test signal generated by the received VSWR measurer 40 and reflected on the second antenna 19 is transmitted to the power signal receiver 41 through a path of (c). The power signal receiver 41 receives the power signals provided through the paths of (d) and (c), and a processor in the received VSWR measurer 40 uses the power signals to calculate a received VSWR.
[14] As described, the prior art uses an additional VSWR measurer to obtain signal in-

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formation on the progressive wave and the reflected wave used for the VSWR. Fbwever, it is needed to consider length and substance of a repeater feeder of a base station and a level of an output signal in order to produce an accurate VSWR. Also, it is inevitable that VSWRs must be measured multiple times since a level of the output signal is steeply varied depending on a call state while the base station provides a service. Hence, it is required for the VSWR measurer to include an additional memory and a central processing unit for measuring the VSWR multiple times and amending the same aeon-ding to characteristics of me base stations.
[15] Further, it is required for a user to visit each base station to be measured and test the
same when the conventional VSWR measurer is used. In addition, a large amount of cost is generated for installing a VSWR measurer in each base station, integrated management in consideration of the characteristics of the base station is difficult, and it is impossible to determine the antenna's status in real-time.
Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
[161 It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a system and method for
reducing efforts and maintenance fees caused by undesired antenna tests.
[17] It is another advantage of the present invention to
remotely monitoring antenna systems of a base station and a repeater and managing the same in a combined manner. Technical Solution
[18] In one aspect of the present invention, an antenna system monitor of a base station
comprises: a radio communication module for receiving radio data including a first measurement value and a second measurement value of the antenna of the base station; a message parser for parsing the radio data to parse a base station identifier and measurement information; a base station information database for storing identifiers of a base station to be monitored, and status information of the base stations; a base station monitor for using the first and second measurement values to calculate factors of the base stations; and a measured result modifier for using status information of the base station information database corresponding to the base station identifier and modifying the calculated factors.
[19] The first measurement value is a power of a progressive wave and the second
measurement value is a power of a reflected wave.
[20] In another aspect of the present invention, an antenna system measurer comprises: a

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first measurer for measuring a first measurement value of the antenna system; a second measurer for measuring a second measurement value of the antenna system; a radio data module for transmitting the first measurement value and the second measurement value in a radio data format; and a controller for controlling a number of measurement times of the first measurement value and the second measurement value and radio data transmission.
[21] The first measurement value is a power of a progressive wave, and the second
measurement value is a power of a reflected wave.
[22]
Brief Description of the Drawings
[23] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of die
specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention:
[24] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a conventional VSWR measuring system;
[25] FIG. 2 shows a system for remotely measuring and monitoring an antenna system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[26] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an antenna system measurer according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[27] HG. 4 shows a block diagram of a monitoring server according to a embodiment of the present invention
embodiment of the present invention;
[28] FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a radio data message including antenna system in-formation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention ;
[29] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of ameasui^resuUmaifier240accordingtoa
preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[30] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method for measuring and monitoring an antenna
system of a base station according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[31] In the following detailed description, only the preferred embodiment of the
invention has been shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by the inventor(s) of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive. To clarify die present invention, parts winch are not described in me specification

WO 2005/069664 PCT/KR20©5/Ofl which same descriptions are provided have the same reference numerals.
[32] A device and method for remotely measuring an antenna system according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[33] FIG. 2 shows a system for remotely measuring and monitoring an antenna system
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[34] The system includes a plurality of base stations and repeaters 100a, 100b, and 100c,
and a monitoring server 200 for monitoring antenna systems of the base stations and repeaters.
[35] The base stations and repeaters 100a, 100b, and 100c having antenna systems
include directional couplers, and measure a first power signal and a second power signal corresponding to a progressive wave and a reflected wave. The measured first power signal and second power signal are transmitted to the monitoring server 200 by a radio data module including a short message service (SMS) module installed in a measurer of each base station. Formats of the SMS and packet type radio data follow general mobile stations' data communication methods.
[36] The radio data module advantageously allows usage of radio resources and facilities
used by a mobile communication service provider and transmission of sufficient information (e.g, 80 bytes in the SMS case) with a lesser cost Accordingly, antenna measurers 110a, 110b, 110c measure the first power signal and second power signal and easily transmit the measured values in a radio data format to the monitoring server, and the antenna system measurers 110a, 110b, 110c are simplified compared to me prior art
[37] The measured first power signal and second power signal transmitted by radio data
through the mobile communication network are provided to a radio data receiver 210 of the monitoring server 200 including a base station information database 230 for classifying and storing information on the base stations and repeaters controlled by the monitoring server 200.
[38] A base station monitor 220 receives detailed information on the antenna system of
the base station from the base station information database 230, and uses the measured first power signal and second power signal to calculate a VSWR.
[39] The measured result modifier 240 uses deviation between the first power signal and
second power signal transmitted by the radio data or a modification value stored in the base station information database 230 and modifies the calculated VSWR.
[40] Hence, the antenna systems of remote scattered base stations are efficiently
managed with considerably less radio resources, and are monitored in real-time in con-

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sideration of facilities of the base stations.
[41 ] A detailed configuration of respective components of FIG. 2 will now be described.
[42] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an antenna system measurer according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[43] An antenna system measurer 110 includes a first measurer 111 for measuring
values of progressive waves of the transmit antenna and die receive antenna, a second measurer 112 for measuring values of reflected waves of the antennas, a radio data module 113, a measurement controller 114, an antenna 115, and a frequency converter 116. In this instance, the first measurer 111 or the second measurer 112 may also be substituted for the antenna 115 depending on the purpose of usage.
[44] The measurement controller 114 controls the first measurer HI and the second
measurer 112 to measure power signals of die progressive wave and die reflected wave of antennas of the base station and the repeater for a predetermined time frame and for a predetermined number of times. The measured first power signal and second power signal are transmitted in the radio data format to die monitoring server through die radio data module which is used in die general mobile station to transmit radio data. The radio data include identifiers of the base station and the repeaters, and are used to transmit measured results executed a predetermined number of times or transmit a measured result for each measurement process.
[45] The antenna system measurer according to me embodiment does not calculate me
VSWR and modify the measured values, but measures power signals of the progressive wave and die reflected wave and transmits the power signals dirough a radio data transmission method.
[46] In die case of measuring a transmitted VSWR, die measurement controller 114
controls die frequency converter 116 to be not operated and measures die power signals of die progressive wave and die reflected wave and transmits the same according to a radio data transmission method.
[47] In die case of measuring a received VSWR, when receiving a measurement in-
struction from the monitoring server, me radio data module 113 uses no additional signal generator but uses an output of die radio data module to transmit a predetermined output (e.g, die frequency range between 1,740 and 1,760MHz) to the receive antenna. Part of the output is not radiated from die receive antenna but is returned thereto, and die same is measured by the second measurer 112.
[48] Since a transmitted frequency bandwidth and a received frequency bandwidth are
different in die case of die radio data module used for a mobile station, die measured

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value of the reflected wave is up-converted into a received frequency bandwidth (e.&, ranging between 1,840 and 1,860MHz) of the radio data module by the frequency converter 116 which is controlled by the controller 114 according to instructions by die monitoring server. The output of the radio data module 113 and the second measured value which is converted into the frequency bandwidth and is readable by the radio data module 113 are transmitted to the monitoring server in the radio data format such as an SMS.
[49] Therefore, no additional signal generator for measuring the received VSWR is used,
the output of the radio data module 113 is used to generate test signals, the test signals are converted into signals of a predetermined frequency bandwidth to be received by the radio data module, and the converted signals are reported to the monitoring server.
[50] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a monitoring server according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[51] As shown, the monitoring server 200 includes a radio data receiver 210, a base
station monitor 220, a base station information database 230, and a measured result mo£fier240.
[52] The radio data recover 210 includes a radio communication module 211 for receiving radio data messages, and a message parser 212. The message parser 212 parses radio data messages to identify transmission base stations and separate the messages into a measurement time, frame, a first measurement value and a second measurement value, and provides separated data to the base station information database 230, the base station monitor 220, and the measured result modifier 240. The radio communication module wirelessly transmits measurement instructions to a predetermined base station.
[53] The base station information database 230 stores information on modified m
easurement values, VSWRs, and measured values transmitted by the message parser 212.
[54] The base station monitor 220 includes a VSWR calculator 221, a data storage unit
222, a counter 223, and a final VSWR calculator 224. The base station monitor 220 can be configured to be coupled to or combined with a communication interface 250 for data communication with external devices, a display 260, and an alarm unit 270 for alarming problems of the base station.
[55] The VSWR calculator 221 uses measured values of the progressive wave and the
reflected wave provided by the message parser 212 to calculate the VSWR. The VSWR is then temporarily stored in the data storage unit 222. The VSWRs calculated

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for a predefined number of tunes are transmitted to the final VSWR calculator 224
from the data storage unit 222 and a final VSWR is accordingly calculated.
[56] The maximum and minimum data stored in the data storage unit 222 can be deleted
by an instruction of the measured result modifier 240, and in addition, and data which
are greater than a predetermined threshold value can be deleted, which are easily
controlled by a skilled person in the art
[57] The final VSWR calculator 224 assigns a weight to an average and a specific value
(e.g, a value corresponding to the VSWR repeated for a predetermined number of
times) of data from which the minimum or maximum value is removed by the
measured result modifier 240, and outputs an average of the weighted values.
[58] Further, the measured result modifier 240 refers to the base station information
database 230 to search for modification factors in consideration of feeders and
substance of the base station, and reports searched results to the final VSWR calculator
224 so that the final VSWR calculator 224 may increase or reduce the average or
weighted average with a modification rate.
[59] The VSWR calculated by the final VSWR calculator 224 is used to provide visual
information to an operator through the alarm unit 270 when the VSWR is greater than a predetermined threshold a value.
[60] Also, the final VSWR calculator 224 transmits the VSWR to the external devices
through the communication interface 250 or stores the same in the database per data
and time so that the VSWR may be utilized as data for managing the antenna systems
of the base stations.
[61 ] FIG. 5 shows a configuration of a radio data message including antenna information
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[62] In the embodiment, a radio data message is used to transmit the status of the base
station in the SMS format of 80kbyte characters or numbers, and can also be encoded
into digital binary information to be parsed by the message parser, and can then be
transmitted.
[63] As shown in FIG. 5, a radio data message can be transmitted by four fields. A field
(Fl) includes a transmitter's CID (connection identifier) and a base station identifier.
A field for the general SMS rule can be used for the field (Fl) and an additional field
can also be allocated to the field (Fl).
[64] A field (F2) includes a number of measurement times and a measurement order of
the base station status. When the number of measurement times is recorded for the

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calculation of VSWR caused by multiple measurements, and the measured values are allocated to a plurality of ratio data messages and are then transmitted, it is possible to display to what transmission order the transmitted radio data message corresponds.
[65] A field (F3) and a field (F4) respectively store a first measured value and a second
measured value corresponding to the reflected wave and the progressive wave. A plurality of first measured values and second measured values can be transmitted concurrently depending on the capacity of the values.
[66] The fields Fl, F2, F3, and F4 are identifiable by field IDs, which are modifiable by
a person skilled in the art in various manners.
[67] The message parser searches for information stored in the fields, and controls the
CUD and the base station identifier to be applied to the base station information database 230 and the measured result modifier 240.
[68] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of measured result modifier 240 according to
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[69] The measured result modifier 240 includes a maximum value eliminator 241, a superimposed value searcher 242,a weight processor 243, and an average calculator 244.
241, a superimposed value searcher 242, a weight processor 243, and an average calculator 244.
[70] The rnaximum /minimum value eliminator 241 embodiment the maximum/minimum values of the values of the VSWRs stored in the data storage unit 222, and in adition, establishes a predetermined threshold value and eliminates values which are greater than the threshold value because great deviations of the VSWR can be generated depending on the call states while the base station or the repeater provides services.
[71] The superimposed value searcher 242 searches a VSWR which is superimposed or
has an error less than a predetermined value from among the stored VSWRs, and controls the weight processor 243 to assign a weight
[72] The average calculator 244 calculates an average generated by providing the weight
to measured data, and in addition, the average calculator 244 refers to the base station information database 230 to increase or reduce the calculated average with a predetermined rate and thereby modify the same.
[73] The finally modified VSWR is transmitted to the final VSWR calculator 224 to be
displayed to the operator or be used as management data.
[74] The components of the measured result modifier 240 can be partially removed if
needed, and can be installed in the base station monitor 220.
[75] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method for measuring and monitoring an antenna
system of a base station according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

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[76) The base station or the repeater measures values of the progressive wave and the
reflected wave of a transmit antenna or a receive antenna according to a predefined measurement rule. When the measurement process is started, the number of measurement times is initialized in Step S100.
[77] In Steps SI 10 and S120, values of power signals of the progressive wave and the
reflected wave are measured and stored by a measurer installed in the base station or the repeater. In Step S130, it is determined whether the measurement time has reached a predetermined number of measurement times, and when it is found to have reached the predetermined a number of measurement times , a radio data module is used to transmit measured results to the monitoring server in Step S150.
[78] On receiving radio data, the monitoring server parses the message of the radio data
to find sender information, the number of measurement times, the first measurement value, and the second measurement value in Steps S200 and S210.
[79] The parsed sender information including a CBD and a base station ID is used, and
information of the base station information database is used to identify me base station and determine whether a medication is to be executed in Steps S220 and S230.
[80] When no modification is needed, the VSWR is calculated and output according to
the conventional VSWR calculation method in Steps S240 and S290.
[81] When a modification is required according tote
station information database, a process for calculating me VSWR in consideration of the mottled measured result is performed. The VSWR is computed by using the first measurement value and the second measurement value in Step S2S0, and, the computed VSWR is sequentially stored in an internal buffer or a memory in Step S260. The stored VSWR values are modified with reference to modification information of the base station information database in Step S270. The above-noted VSWR modification can be discarded in the process of calculating the maximum/ minimum VSWR in order to consider the call state, or the VSWR can be increased or reduced in consideration of die characteristics of the base station, such as feeders and substance.
[82] When the modification is finished, the finally calculated VSWR is output in Step
S280 so as to be used for base station monitoring information.
[83] Therefore, a measurer and a radio data module of a mobile station are installed in
the remotely scattered base stations or repeaters to thus easily monitor the base stations by using the existing radio resources.
[84] Also, since there is no need to apply each characteristic of the base station to the

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measurer, the above-noted base station measurer's compatibility is improved and production cost is saved. Further, the monitoring server for calculating the VSWR defending on the measurement values can monitoring -the base stations in consideration of characteristics of die base stations in an integrated manner, and monitor the remote base stations in real-time without visiting the same.
[85] The embedment has been described with main reference to the VSWR, and it is
obvious to a person skilled in the art that the embodiment can also be applied to a system for measuring and monitoring antenna estimation factors (e.g, a receive sensitivity) in consideration of modifications caused by a plurality of measurement values and the characteristics of base stations.
[86] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently
considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[87] According to the present invention, the antenna systems of base stations are
measured which allows usage of the existing radio resources, it highly compatible, and allow measurer which allows usage of the existing radio resources, is highly compatible, and allows mass-production. Therefore, the present invention reduces conventional remote •visitation and installation fees, and efficiently measures and monitors the antenna systems of the base stations.
[88]
[89]

WO 2005/069664 PCT/KR2W5TO69129
Claims
[1 ] An antenna system monitor of a base station, comprising:
a radio communication module for receiving radio data including a first
measurement value and a second measurement value of the antenna system of
the base station;
a message parser for parsing the radio data to parse abase station identifier and
measurement information;
a base station information database for storing identifiers of base stations to be
monitored, and status information of the base stations;
a base station monitor for using the first and second measurement values to
calculate factors of the base stations; and
a measured result modifier for using status information of the base station in-
formation database corresponding to the base station identifier and modifying the
calculated factors.
[2] The antenna system monitor of claim 1, wherein the first measurement value is a
power of a progressive wave and me second measurement value is a power of a reflected wave.
[3] The antenna system monitor of claim 2, wherein the factor of the base station
includes a transmitted voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and a received VSWR.
[4] The antenna system monitor of claim 3, wherein the radio data include a
plurality of first measurement values and second measurement values, information on a number of measurement times, information on an order of measurements, and a caller number.
[5] The antenna system monitor of claim 4, wherein the base station monitor
comprises:
a VSWR calculator for using the respective first measurement value and second measurement value to calculate a VSWR; a data storage unit for storing the calculated VSWR; a counter for controlling a calculation number of the VSWR; and a final VSWR calculator for outputling a final VSWR modified by the measured result modifier.
[6] The antenna system monitor of claim 5, wherein the measured result modifier
comprises:

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A maximum/minimum eliminator for eliminating a maximum value and a
minimum value from among the stored VSWRs; and
an average calculator for calculating an average of the VSWRs.
[7] The antenna System monitor of claim 6, wherein the measured result modifier
further comprises:
a superimposed value searcher for searching for a superimposed value from
among the VSWRs; and
a weight assignor for assigning a weight to the maximum superimposed value
according to a result provided by the superimposed value searcher.
[8] The antenna, system monitor of claim 7, wherein the measured result maifier
uses base station information stored in the base station information database to
increase or decrease the calculated averaged VSWR to thus perform mod
ification.
[9] The antenna system monitor of one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising:
a display for displaying the calculated final VSWR;
a communication interface for transmitting the calculated final VSWR to an
external device; and
an alarm unit for generating an alarm signal when the final VSWR is greater than
a predetrermined threshold value.
[10] An antenna system measurer being installed in a plandity of base stations,
measuring an antenna system of each base station, and reporting measured information to a monitoring server, the antenna system measurer comprising: a first measurer for measuring a first measurement value of the antenna system; a second measurer for measuring a second measurement value of the antenna system;
a radio data module for transmitting the first measurement value and the second
measurement value in a radio data format; and
a controller for controlling a number of measurement times of the first
measurement value and the second measurement value and radio data
transmission.
[11] The antenna system measurer of claim 10, wherein the first measurement value
is a power of a progressive wave, and the second measurement value is a power
of a reflected wave.
[12] The antenna system measurer of claim 11, wherein the antenna measurer further
comprises a frequency converter for converting a frequency of the second

WO2005/0696*4 PCT/KJt20©5/0«H29
measurement value,
the radio data module outputs a frequency of a predetermined power to a receive
antenna when receiving an instruction for measuring the receive antenna, and
the controller controls the frequency converter to convert a frequency of a power
signal reflected from the receive antenna.
[13] The antenna system measurer of one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the radio data
include a short message service (SMS) message.
[14] A method f or measuring and monitoring an antenna system of a base station in a
mobile communication system, comprising:
using an antenna system measurer installed in a base station antenna and
measuring a power of a progressive wave and a power of a reflected wave;
transmitting information including measurement values and measurement times
of the progressive wave and the reflected wave and base station identifiers in a
radio data format to a monitoring server;
allowing the monitoring server to receive the radio data, parse the message, and
search information on the corresponding base station from a base station information database;
using the transmitted measurement values to calculate a voltage standing wave
ratio (VSWR) of the base station; and
modifying the calculated VSWR according to searched base station information
when medication is needed.
[15] The method of claim 14, wherein calculating the VSWR including :
eliminating a maximum value and a minimum value from among the calculated
VSWRs;and
calculating an average of the VSWRs without the maximum value and the
minimum value.
[16] The method of claim 15, wherein calculating the VSWR includes:
searching superimposed values from among the VSWRs; and
assigning a weight to a VSWR corresponding to the superimposed value.

17) An antenna system monitor of a base station substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
18) A method for measuring and monitoring an antenna system of a base station in a mobile communication system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Dated this 18th day of July, 2006

ABSTRACT
An antenna system measurer for a repeater and a base station measures powers of a progressive wave and a reflected wave of a transmit/receive antenna, and transmits measured results to a monitoring server in a radio data format such as an SMS message. The monitoring server receives the radio data, identifies a repeater and a base station from sender information of the radio data, and calculates a VSWR based on the measured values. The VSWR is modified based on characteristics of the base station such as length and substance of feeders from a base station identifier corresponding to the sender information. According to the present invention, the remote antenna system is monitored in real-time without visits or installation fees, and a plurality of repeaters and base stations is managed in a combined manner.

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING AND MONITORING ANTENNA SYSTEM OF A BASE STATION IN MOBILE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

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Inventors:

PCT Conventions: