Optimal Bin Width for Autonomous Coverage Estimation Using MDT Reports in the Presence of User Positioning Error

Abstract

Minimization of drive test (MDT) allows coverage to be estimated at the base station using user equipment measurement reports with the objective of eliminating the need for drive tests. In this letter, we quantify various types of errors in MDT-based autonomous coverage estimation that stem from inaccurate user positioning, for example, as a result of GPS measurement uncertainties and quantization due to dividing the coverage area into bins. By investigating the interplay between quantization and positioning error to estimate coverage, we show that there exists an optimal bin width for coverage estimation and determine it as a function of positioning error and user density. This can enable network operators to configure the bin size for given positioning accuracy that results in the most accurate MDT-based coverage estimation.